City of Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic and Town of Whiteville Mayor Gene Bowden were recipients of the Meritorious Service Award presented by the Code RED Ministerial Coalition (CRMC) during the organizations hosted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which was held on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Unity Temple Church of God in Christ in Jackson. During the program, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated through song, a sermon, and the recognition of mayors who made history as the first African American to hold their position.
Along with Mayors Bowden and McTizic being recognized, City of Brownsville Mayor William Rawls and City of Humboldt Mayor Arthur Boykin also received the Meritorious Service Award and praise for making history.
The CRMC is composed of African-American ministers who work together to foster community.
The Magnolia Post
