Jackson Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Annual Wreath-Laying and March

Community celebrates 57th anniversary of civil rights leader's assassination with events highlighting progress since the movement.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:08pm

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Jackson, Mississippi held its annual ceremony to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., marking the 57th anniversary of his assassination in 1968. The event included a wreath-laying, community march, chess tournament, and Easter egg hunt, with local officials highlighting the progress made since the Civil Rights Movement that King helped lead.

Why it matters

The annual ceremony in Jackson serves as both a remembrance of King's sacrifice and a celebration of the opportunities his work helped create for generations of Americans, including the election of the first Black president and the increased representation of Black leaders in local government.

The details

The ceremony began with a wreath-laying, followed by a march through the community. Festivities continued with a chess tournament at the Medgar Evers Library and concluded with an Easter egg hunt. Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, who has organized the annual parade for over 30 years, said the event honors King's legacy and the progress made since the Civil Rights Movement, when there were no Black city councilmen or mayors in Jackson.

  • The annual event was held on April 4, 2026, marking the 57th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination.
  • Stokes has organized the annual parade and added events like the chess tournament for more than 30 years.

The players

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The renowned civil rights leader whose assassination in 1968 is commemorated by the annual ceremony in Jackson.

Kenneth Stokes

A Jackson City Councilman who has organized the annual parade and added events like the chess tournament for more than 30 years.

Medgar Evers Library

The local library where a chess tournament was held as part of the day's festivities.

Atmos Energy

A community partner that has supported the annual ceremony organized by Councilman Stokes.

Barack Obama

The first Black president of the United States, whose election Councilman Stokes cited as an example of the progress made since the Civil Rights Movement led by Dr. King.

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What they’re saying

“Before Dr. King gave up his life, there were no Black city councilmen in Jackson, Mississippi. No Black mayors. You didn't have the opportunities Barack Obama had to become the president of the United States of America. Dr. King opened up so many jobs for people.”

— Kenneth Stokes, Jackson City Councilman

The takeaway

The annual ceremony in Jackson serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made since the Civil Rights Movement, while also honoring the sacrifices of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who paved the way for greater representation and opportunity for generations of Americans.