NAACP Drew County Branch Announces 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Theme: “Engaged, Empowered, and Informed”
January 5th, 2026 by
The NAACP Drew County Branch is proud to announce its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, featuring a comprehensive summit and community service activities designed to honor Dr. King’s legacy through action and education.
“I am really excited to try something different to honor the legacy and King Movement in Drew County,” said Clarissa Pace, President of the NAACP Drew County Branch. “I encourage community involvement from the entire community. It’s not a Black people observation. It is an American observation. Our nation would not have been a better nation without the sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
MLK Summit: Monday, January 19, 2026 The centerpiece of this year’s commemoration will be a day-long summit held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sadie Johnson Building, located at 707 Highway 278 East in Monticello, Arkansas. The summit brings together community leaders, educators, and advocates to inspire meaningful dialogue and positive change under the theme “Engaged, Empowered, and Informed.”
Summit Highlights Include:
Keynote Address: Representative Glen Barnes of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, will deliver the keynote address, bringing his legislative experience and community perspective to this important gathering.
About Keynote Speaker Pastor Glen D. Barnes Sr.
Pastor Glen D. Barnes Sr. is a distinguished servant leader, educator, and legislator who embodies the spirit of community engagement and empowerment. A native of Altheimer, Arkansas, and product of the Altheimer Public School System, Pastor Barnes has dedicated his life to uplifting others through ministry, education, and public service.
Pastor Barnes earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1999, followed by a B.S. in Theology (2004) and Master’s in Theology (2005) from Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Truett Seminary, Baylor University. His commitment to education extends beyond his own studies—he has served as a part-time teacher in the Watson Chapel School District and currently teaches minister classes at local and state levels as a certified dean and instructor for the Congress of Christian Education.
As the newly elected State Representative for the 65th District, Pastor Barnes brings both pastoral compassion and legislative leadership to his work. He serves as moderator of the Central District Baptist Association and works part-time with the Sixth Division, Jefferson County Juvenile Court, where he impacts the lives of young people in the justice system.
For the past 17 years, Pastor Barnes has served as pastor of Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, leading a Christ-centered, community-driven congregation. He is also an accomplished gospel musician, serving as lead singer and member of the recording group “Barnes Brothers” and recognized as a songwriter. His musical ministry includes producing “I’ve Been Through the Storm” (2014) with the Pine Hill Choir, and the singles “Grateful” (Thanksgiving 2020) and “They Were Looking for a King” (Christmas 2020).
Known for his plain and passionate preaching style, Pastor Barnes is frequently called upon for revivals and speaking engagements. He and his wife, LaDawn Willis Barnes, are the proud parents of eight children.
Empowerment Sessions:
? Mental Health Awareness – Dr. Felicia Brown of Ashley County Medical CenterHamburg Clinic will lead discussions on mental health resources and wellness in ourcommunity.
? Civil Rights Education – Ms. Debrah Mitchell, past president of the Arkansas BlackCaucus, will provide insights on civil rights advocacy and community engagement.
Entertainment: Gospel Recording Artist Keenon Coleman will provide inspirational musical performances throughout the day.
Community Giveaway: A special highlight will be a community giveaway sponsored by Angels Serving With a Purpose of Houston, Texas, demonstrating the spirit of giving that Dr. King embodied.
Educational Outreach
The NAACP Drew County Branch Education Committee will host special activities in Drew Central and Monticello School Districts:
? Art contests for elementary students
? Essay contests for middle school students
? Special assemblies at the high school level
For more information about educational activities, please contact Education Committee Chair Mr. Anthony Jackson.
Celebration Kickoff – Day of Service/Neighborhood Cleanup
Saturday, January 10, 2026 – Day of Service
The celebration will kickoff with “A Day of Service” community cleanups. Participants are asked to gather at 8:30 am. The cleanup will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Jordan Park. Volunteers will work together to beautify our community in the spirit of Dr. King’s call to service. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers at 10:30 a.m.
To volunteer for the community cleanup, please contact Clarissa Pace at 870.723.9820.
Sunday, January 18, 2026 – MLK Youth Explosion
The MLK Youth Explosion will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Revival Center Church, 311 S. Pine Street, Monticello. This inspiring event will showcase the gifts and talents of our community’s youth, celebrating the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Youth interested in participating should contact:
? Angelia Anderson at 870.723.4718
? Bettina Randolph at 870.460.5191
About the NAACP Drew County Branch
The NAACP Drew County Branch is committed to ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. Through community programming and advocacy, the branch works to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice and equality year-round.
Contact Information
For general information about the 2026 MLK Celebration:
Clarissa Pace, President, NAACP Drew County Branch
Phone: 870.723.9820
Email: naacp6042@gmail.com
Rev. D. J. Buffington, Vice President
The public is invited to attend all events. Join us in honoring Dr. King’s legacy through engagement, empowerment, and service to our community.
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