The legacy of a man responsible for leading an effort to bring equality to all will be celebrated at several different locations this weekend and early next week.

In the Roanoke-Chowan area, three events are scheduled to honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. extends an invitation to the community to join in celebrating the “Life and Legacy” of King. The program will be the Chapter’s 32nd annual MLK tribute at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15 at New Ahoskie Missionary Baptist Church located on Rhue St. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Ahoskie. The guest speaker for the event will be Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell, Senior Pastor of Grace AME Zion Church located in Raleigh.

The theme for this year’s tribute is “If there is no struggle, there is no progress”.

The Sorority will also sponsor its second annual March & Celebration for the Life and Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., set for a 10 a.m. start on Monday, Jan. 16.  The line up is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunset Ave. The march will proceed onto Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and conclude in the parking lot at New Ahoskie Missionary Baptist Church.

If additional information about this event is needed or to participate in the March & Celebration, please contact Linda McNair-Moore, MLK March & Celebration Chairperson, at 252-862-4022.

Another MLK tribute is planned for Monday, Jan. 16 in Jackson. There, the 12th annual Northampton County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration will be held at 10 a.m. at the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center, located on NC 305 just north of Jackson. The Unity March will begin at the Northampton County Department of Transportation and participants will arrive at the Wellness Center for a morning and early afternoon service of speakers and tributes. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Conrad Kilpatrick Pridgen of Greensboro. He serves as the Presiding Elder of the Western NC Conference.

As a partner to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, Choanoke Area Development Association (CADA) welcomes all to attend.  Refreshments will be served.

For further information, please contact Mary Powell at CADA at 252-539-4155 extension 430.

The Gates County Fellowship Circle Churches will be joining in worship together at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15 in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The service will be held at Zion Tabernacle Church on Hwy 32 in Corapeake and the public is invited to attend. For more information call (252) 287-6484.

In downtown Raleigh, members of the N.C. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission will initiate a statewide bell-ringing tribute at 11:55 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13 on the Bicentennial Plaza near the N.C. Museum of History. That event will precede the annual State Employees’ Dr. Martin Luther King Observance Program, which will get underway at 12 noon at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh.

“Ringing of a replica Liberty Bell proclaims the fundamental importance of freedom in our own lives, in our state, our nation and our world,” said Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw Jr., Commission Chairman. “We will use this occasion to ring out to call attention to the insensitivity, injustice, and inequality that curtail freedom and happiness throughout society.”

The Commission encourages all citizens, churches and organizations to participate in MLK Holiday observances by ringing bells at 12 noon Friday in their own communities. The goal is to create a simultaneous bell-ringing tribute throughout the state in memory of the civil rights leader and to affirm that North Carolinians continue to cherish the value of freedom, democracy, diversity and equal opportunity.

“Though our actions are symbolic, they have tremendous potential,” said John Campbell, Commission Executive Director. “Energized by the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the bell ringing is a statement of personal conviction and community involvement. It provides a moment for both reflection and resolve.”

Gov. Bev Perdue, who will issue a 2012 MLK Day proclamation, is scheduled to speak at the annual State Employees’ Dr. Martin Luther King Observance Program. Additionally, the 32nd Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast will be held at 7 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Durham.

For additional MLK activities statewide, visit the Human Relations Commission website, www.doa.nc.gov/hrc.