NEW ORLEANS, LA — Councilmember Lesli Harris proudly served as the 2026 Honorary Co-Chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission for the City of New Orleans’ official MLK commemorations and community programming honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Councilmember Harris is honored to support the work of the commissioners and community leaders who coordinate the City’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday March, wreath-laying ceremony, and related events focused on justice, equality, and service.

“Dr. King’s legacy is not just something we honor once a year,  it is something New Orleans lives every day,” said Councilmember Harris. “This city has always been a place where people organized, marched, worshipped, and fought for a more just and equitable future. Serving as Honorary Co-Chair has been deeply meaningful because it connects that history to the work we are still called to do.”

As part of this year’s MLK weekend, Councilmember Harris will also participate in the Moreno’s Administration ‘All In’ Day of Service activities, joining residents and volunteers in hands-on projects throughout New Orleans. In District B, she will take part in service efforts at the Leo Benewell Play Spot and the newly created Barbara Lacen-Keller Park, highlighting the importance of neighborhood investment and collective service.

“Dr. King challenged us to confront injustice, to protect human dignity, and to build a beloved community,” Harris said. “That is why it’s especially meaningful that one of our service locations honors the affectionately known ‘Mayor of Central City’ at Barbara Lacen-Keller Park, a place that reflects the power of grassroots leadership, community love, and the impact one person can have. Showing up in our neighborhoods and serving together is how we honor Dr. King’s legacy in a real and lasting way.”