Bastrop County’s MLK Walk for Peace Calls the Community to Unity, Scholarship, and Action

It was a beautiful Monday morning in Elgin—cool, bright, and full of purpose—as Bastrop County gathered for the 37th Annual MLK Walk for Peace and scholarship program on January 19, 2026. Hosted this year at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, the annual observance carried a clear message from the start: Dr. King’s legacy is not simply something we remember—it is something we live.

The day began with a community walk from Veterans Memorial Park at 10:00 a.m. and transitioned into the program at 11:00 a.m. inside the Booker T. Washington Elementary gymnasium. This year’s theme—“Joining Together: Celebrate! Remember! Act! A Day On…Not a Day Off!!!”—was visible throughout the printed program and echoed repeatedly from the stage.

A Prayer for a Divided Nation

The program opened in the spirit of the church—anchored by a heartfelt prayer that named the moment the country is living in: a nation divided, communities taking sides, and a need for God’s wisdom over leaders, families, and young people. The prayer lifted up city and county officials working “quietly behind the scenes,” and asked for unity and guidance for children navigating a world “much different from ours.”

That tone—faith forward, community minded, and honest about the times—set the foundation for the entire gathering.

A Proclamation and a Charge to Keep Going

During the program, a proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was read aloud, reinforcing why this annual gathering matters—not only to commemorate King’s work, but to recommit to the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and civic responsibility.

Throughout the event, attendees were reminded that this is not just a ceremonial tradition. It is a living commission, one that has returned year after year for 37 years to keep King’s name connected to local action—especially through scholarships for students across Bastrop County.

Music That Set the Spirit

The printed program reflected a careful structure—blending worship, remembrance, and youth leadership. The morning featured a musical prelude by Mrs. Carolyn Carter, followed by the Elgin Choir leading “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” An invocation was offered by Rev. Steven Ward, pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (Elgin), followed by additional musical selections that carried the energy of gratitude and reverence through the room.

Student Voices Carried the Day

One of the strongest moments of the program was the student speaker segment, featuring voices from high schools across the county. According to the program, student speakers included:

• Gary Jefferson, Jr. — Bastrop High School

• Alberto Vera — Cedar Creek High School

• Brianna Sampson — Smithville High School

• Kayli Salas — Colorado River Collegiate Academy

• Jana Dube — McDade High School

• Elise Rhodes — Elgin High School

Their speeches reflected what the commission hopes to protect: a generation that understands leadership as service, not spotlight; courage as daily practice; and justice as a responsibility shared by everyone.

Entertainment and reflection were also woven into the program through a poem by Ardelia Session (Smithville) and praise dance presented by Cynee’ McIntyre (Bastrop).

Elected Officials and Community Leadership in One Room

The program also formally welcomed leaders from across the county and neighboring cities, including greetings from:

• Mayor Ishmael Harris (City of Bastrop)

• Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Jenkins (City of Smithville)

• Mayor Theresa McShan (City of Elgin)

• County Judge Gregory Klaus (Bastrop County)

Mayor McShan served as Mistress of Ceremonies, and the gathering repeatedly emphasized unity across Bastrop County—Bastrop, Smithville, and Elgin—standing together to continue the work.

The Scholarship Tables: Where the Mission Becomes Tangible

While the speeches inspired, the scholarship tables made the mission concrete. Throughout the program, attendees were directed to the tables at the back of the gym to donate to the scholarship fund—encouraged to give specifically toward the school district they represent, or to support broadly across the county.

Representatives from each school district across the county were present to share scholarship information and accept donations in support of next year’s recipients.

Speakers noted that scholarship giving has grown steadily over time, and that the funds directly support students stepping into the next stage of their lives. The commission shared that scholarship recipients from past years are now college graduates—and in at least one case, a former recipient has returned home as an educator, continuing the cycle of investment.

As one organizer made plain: “Please go back and visit your school’s table and make a donation—because it really counts.”

Announcements that Keep the Community Moving

In addition to scholarships, the program served as a platform to invite continued engagement. Announcements included:

• The Brown Primary Historic Marker Celebration will take place on January 20 at 10:00 a.m. at 403 SW 4th Street in Smithville.

• An upcoming performance: “Sister Moses: The Story of Harriet Tubman” (a dramatization), with student showings on February 6 and a public performance on February 7 at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm Performing Arts Center.

• A community note highlighted that Black History Month programming was approaching, including a Hatitude event honoring Dr. Marilyn Jones on February 7 at 10:00 a.m. (Location: TBA)

• A reminder that voter registration forms were available onsite—because civic action remains part of King’s legacy.

“We Shall Overcome” and a Benediction of Peace

The program closed as it opened—with faith and resolve. The crowd joined in “We Shall Overcome,” followed by the benediction delivered by Rev. Sam Brannon, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Elgin).

The final blessing carried the heart of the day: build beloved community, meet hate with love, and keep moving until justice flows fully—“like an ever-flowing stream.”

After 37 years, the Bastrop County MLK Walk for Peace remains what it has always been: a gathering of remembrance, yes—but more importantly, a community decision to keep showing up.