Newton, NC – Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We Stand for Justice, “The time is always right to do what is right.” – Martin Luther King Jr
The Catawba County Branch NAACP’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities are upon us. The annual federal holiday, celebrated on the third Monday in January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, who brought hope and healing to our nation.
This year’s parade will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, and the celebration will be on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. On Jan. 17, at 2 pm we will have a parade in downtown Newton, beginning at the intersection of S. College Ave and East C Street. Then, on Monday, Jan. 19, at 12 noon, we will host our annual MLK Day ceremony at the 1924 Courthouse in Newton. The ceremony will include brief presentations from community leaders, a keynote speaker, and music. The keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Anthony Freeman, pastor of Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church in Hickory, and member of the Hickory City Council.
If you would like to participate in the parade, please contact President Jerry McCombs for a parade application form.
NAACP annual membership will be offered at the MLK day celebration at a discount rate of $20.00. All are welcome to sign up for NAACP membership.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call President Jerry McCombs at 828-310-6918 or email catacaconaacp@charter.net.
The NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. The Catawba County Branch meets on the second Sunday of each month.
