The 34th Annual Hardeman County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade was held on Saturday, January 19, 2026, with Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) senior Ke’Shiyah Allen and Middleton High School (MHS) senior Harmony Bell leading as Grand Marshals. Both students are senior class presidents of their schools, which they represented, and were selected to promote the parade theme of “A high-quality public education is a must for our community”.
“Being the Grand Marshal in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. means to me to be a leader. It also means representation, so me being the Bolivar Central High senior class president, it feels like an honor being here and to represent my school,” said Ke’Shiyah.
“When I first got the call to be one of the Grand Marshals, I was very excited. I’m just glad to be one of the ones to be picked to represent my school,” said Harmony.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist, Baptist minister, a political philosopher, and one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement. Although it has been almost 60 years since his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, his legacy continues to inspire people of all ages. Ke’Shiyah and Harmony were proud to participate in the parade continuing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s legacy.
“Martin Luther King inspires me by having a dream. He dreamed of all of us to be equal, to have equal classrooms, and equal rights. So, I think that where we are today not fully, but it’s there and I’m proud of that,” said Ke’Shiyah
“His legacy always reminds me to stand up for what I want and never hold my tongue. If you want something, fight for it. If you want something in general, you have to stand up for what you want,” said Harmony.
The parade, which held its lineup at Bolivar Elementary School, started on Market Street, turned at the Hardeman County Courthouse, and finished at the Luez Theater.
Hardeman County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade committee member Monroe Woods has been actively involved with the event since its inception. He continues to be impressed by the student representatives from the schools in the county and inspired by their desire to participate in the parade. Mr. Woods believes it is important ce of their presence and the opportunities they have here and now as well as in their futures.
“We are absolutely delighted that young leaders that are on their way out of high school to becoming community leaders and county leaders and world leaders are a part of this 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. My hope is that an impression will be made upon them of the significance and importance of their role in the world. Because they are going to be a lot more than local leaders, because the world is smaller than it used to be,” said Mr. Woods. “They are going to help make an impact on the world. What they say and do here might reverberate in other places, and we want them to understand their impact and potential as young people,” said Mr. Woods.
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