Dupre receives 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award

Michael Dupre, the city’s first black alderman, is the recipient of the 2016 Dr. M.L. King Award presented at Sunday’s celebration program at the New Zion Baptist Church J.G. Frank Center.
“I accept this award as an honor not for Michael Dupre but for our forefathers, my generation, who stood up for rights for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. “We’ve done our part opening the doors of liberty and justice. Let’s keep the dream alive.”
Edward Francois Sr., winner of last year’s award and presenter of this year’s award, said, “He was a member of the band (at Charles Drew High School). He was young, energetic, very smart. He is a good candidate because of his past, present and future contributions to the community, the City of Eunice, St. Landry Parish and the state of Louisiana. He is working towards Dr. King’s purpose of making the world a better community for future generations.
Dupre has been an educator in the St. Landry Parish school system for 30 years and has been a coordinator of adult education. He is married to Maxine Dupre, and they have two children. While an alderman, Dupre worked to improve streets and drainage, Francois said. Dupre also worked for three years as assistant to the late Public Service commissioner Tommy Powell, and he is the retired chief of staff for state Sen. Elbert Guillory. The award winner is also president of the Satellite Civic and Social Club and serves on numerous parish and state associations as a representative of the City of Eunice.
The program and award ceremony followed the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. The program included solo and group musical selections as well as dance numbers and readings. Performers included Aline Dixon, Parker Frank, the New Zion Baptist Church Inspirational Choir, the Greater True Light Male Chorus and Alaiyah Anderson.
Robert Trent received the Dr. M.L. King Humanitarian Award. This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship winners were Ajyh Johnson and Katelyn Guillory, both seniors at Eunice High school.
Josie Frank with the 27th Judicial District court was the event’s guest speaker. Frank was introduced by a childhood friend, Barbara Victorian-Guillory.
“She has spent 35 years practicing law, and she still teaches Sunday school,” Victorian-Guillory said. “She is the daughter of late Dr. J.G. Frank, our Martin Luther King Jr. of that day here in Eunice. He inspired us.”
She added, “She is one of Eunice’s finest.”
Frank graduated from Charles Drew High School in Eunice and was valedictorian of her class. She is a licensed practicing attorney with many certifications and professional association affiliations as well as also local memberships including the Socialite Club of Eunice.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., what he did for the world is immeasurable,” Frank said. “We can’t even fathom measuring it, for all that he did. What I want for us today … the important thing for us is to capture the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
Frank said, “Today, as we sit here and talk, become a part, participate, become part of the energy that his legacy leaves us so that when we step out of this building, we are primed for action. That is my prayer, that is my hope.”
The theme of this year’s program was based on a quote from King — “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Frank said, “That statement was penned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. many years ago, but you would think that it was just penned yesterday because of it’s relevance to us right here today. The purpose of the holiday is to get people to find a place to serve. Find your place to serve. Each of us has the ability to do something special for someone else.”
The speaker urged those in the crowd to get into action and do something for others. Frank suggested volunteering at schools or nursing homes, driving someone to the doctor, donating pencils and colors to a school or just telephoning a friend to ask how their day was.
“In 39 short years, Dr. King did more for the whole world than people that live to be 100 because he committed himself to putting others before himself,” Frank said. “He gave us an example. He laid a road map for us.”
Francois said, “This 2016 celebration is sending out the clarion call to each of us to do the same thing Dr. King did. We can change the world. We can change Eunice. Dr. King’s legacy is just urging us to get up. Exercise your energy. Exercise your spirit. Find a place to serve.”
This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship winners were Ajyh Johnson and Katelyn Guillory, both seniors at Eunice High school.