NATCHEZ — The Natchez Branch of the NAACP is calling for the whole community to come to Martin Luther King Jr. events on Sunday and Monday to pay tribute to King’s efforts to end racial segregation and to fight racial inequality.

“Dr. King was an advocate for the whole nation not just the African American community but for all Americans who wanted justice for everyone,” said Paul Bacon, president of the Natchez Branch of the NAACP. “The organizers for the NAACP itself were both black and white so we were hoping the whole community will come out and support us.”

The weekend’s celebrations begin with a 3 p.m. Sunday MLK Celebration Dinner at the Natchez Convention Center that will feature guest speaker the Rev. Wendell H. Paris Sr., past field director of the NAACP.

The dinner also will celebrate the accomplishments of several black candidates who were elected to Adams County offices in last year’s elections, including District Attorney Shameka Collins, Circuit Clerk Eva Givens and Tax Assessor Larry Hughes, Bacon said.

On Monday, which is recognized as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will feature the Natchez Branch of the NAACP’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.

Line up for the parade will start at 2 p.m. on North Broadway Street and the parade will roll at 3 p.m., Bacon said.

Local singer and community worker Willie Minor will serve as the parade’s grand marshal.

Participants in the parade can register and pay fees on site Monday, Bacon said. Registration fees are $20 per car or float; $45 per biker group or $10 per individual bike (not part of a bikers’ group). No horses, ATVs or 4-wheelers.