.png)
BASTROP — Bastrop streets will quickly fill next week as one man’s dream is set to be remembered.
The 36th Annual Bastrop County Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Walk for Peace, Justice and Equality returns to Bastrop Jan. 20. This year’s event continues the theme of “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On... Not a Day Off!”
“The (walk) is an important event. Collaborating with our sister cities to celebrate the dream is an essential part of our community values,” Smithville Mayor Sharon Foerster said, pleased to pass along the baton to Bastrop.
The march, which rotates annually between Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville, begins at 10 a.m. at Paul Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1108 Walnut St., and will conclude at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut St.
A tribute to MLK will follow the walk at the convention center.
Dock Jackson, founder and coordinator of the event, emphasized the value of informing future generations.
“It is important that we continue to educate our youth about the civil rights struggle that Dr. King and others led,” Jackson said. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice to pave the way for the freedoms so many of us enjoy today. It is only fitting that a hero such as King be honored. The annual walk is our way in Bastrop County of helping educate our youth, who are our future.”
This year’s event will also focus on raising funds for scholarships benefiting graduating Bastrop County seniors. Student speakers will deliver remarks on MLK’s life and legacy during the tribute program, joined by elected officials, including Bastrop County Judge Gregory Klaus, Commissioner Butch Carmack and the mayors of Elgin, Bastrop and Smithville.
Donations can be made during the event and may specify if contributions should benefit a particular school or be equally divided among all districts.
Elgin will host the walk next in 2026.
For more information, contact Dock Jackson at 512-308-2213.
