J. Thomas “Tommy” May, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Simmons First National Corporation, has been named grand marshal of the 42nd Annual Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration (PBICVR) Original KingFest™ MLK Marade/Parade.
The annual event, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through community service and interracial cooperation, will take place Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in downtown Pine Bluff in observance of the King holiday.
Parade lineup will begin at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Third Avenue and Walnut Street, with the marade/parade stepping off at 2 p.m.
The theme for the 2026 PBICVR 42nd Original KingFest Celebration is “Remembering Their Names Matters.” According to PBICVR Executive Director Rev. Jesse Turner, families of homicide victims from past years are invited to participate in the parade as special guests.
Awards will be presented for the best banner that reflects the event theme, and the Lorenzo Smith Trophies will be awarded during the Battle of the Bands. Band performances and awards will take place at the north steps of the Pine Bluff Civic Center Complex, located at 200 E. Eighth Ave.
The MLK Executive Committee is inviting participation from churches, clergy, social clubs, civic organizations, youth and neighborhood groups, schools, daycare centers, businesses, elected officials, and community organizations throughout Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas.
There is no cost to participate. Applications are available through Thursday, Jan. 15, at the PBICVR office inside the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Suite 109, in Pine Bluff. Applications may also be requested by email at [email protected].
For more information, contact PBICVR at 870-730-1131.
