Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities in Gwinnett

The United Ebony Society is presenting its 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Lawrenceville Monday, Jan. 16. After a 10 a.m. ceremony at the gazebo on the grounds of the Historic Gwinnett Courthouse, participants will march at 10:30 a.m. over to Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville.

Pedro “Pete” Marin, D-Norcross, will serve as the grand marshal of the parade. This year’s theme is “Unity in Diversity,” which reflects the different nationalities in Gwinnett County.

Shuttle buses will provide transportation from Central Gwinnett High to the Historic Courthouse from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. for participants who park at the courthouse located at 564 Crogan St. Refreshments will be served at Central Gwinnett High at the conclusion of the parade.

A program featuring student essays and performances honoring the slain civil rights leader traditionally held after the parade will occur at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at Meadowcreek High School at 4455 Steve Reynolds Boulevard in Norcross.

The events were split between two days to reach out to more segments of Gwinnett County, according to parade coordinator Penny Poole. Also, some parade participants were too tired to stay for the entire program after the parade, she said.

The program at Norcross High will last about an hour and a half, Poole said.

As part of Hands On Atlanta's 17th Annual Day of Service on Jan. 16, volunteers from the Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will assist in roadside cleanup on Riverside Parkway from Lawrenceville Suwanee Road to Duluth Highway.

Gwinnett County government offices and Duluth city offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Jan. 16. The offices will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 17. Trash collection will not be affected.

The Duluth Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library also will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, and reopen Tuesday, Jan. 17.