It’s been nearly 50 years since the height of the Civil Rights era in the United States, but thanks to a man who figured prominently in the local fight for equality for all, Bogalusa is about to experience a day of extraordinary celebration for the cause, the accomplishments and the man.

Robert Hicks, whose local Civil Rights activism included founding the Deacons for Defense and Justice in Bogalusa and whose success went all the way to the Supreme Court, passed away on April 13.

Now the street where he lived while he helped guide the local movement, East 9th Street,  will be renamed in his honor, and the Hicks family and a broad-based committee of others who want to recognize his historic impact and to carry on his dream of social unity hope the entire community will join in the daylong festivities.

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In fact, at least 1,000 people from across the country, including special guest Marion Barry, former Washington D.C. mayor and current councilman, are expected to attend.

The street renaming will take place on Saturday, August 28. There will be a VIP reception the night before, and Saturday events include a Robert Hicks Freedom Prayer Breakfast, a “good old fashioned” Civil Rights Freedom March, a renaming ceremony and a Robert Hicks Freedom Picnic and Health Fair at Cassidy Park.

The march in honor of Hicks will also commemorate the 47th anniversary of the March on Washington on August 28, 1963 and the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Organizers intend to not only celebrate Hicks, but to also use the occasion to remind and educate the public, and to gather information and historic mementoes for preservation.

It is hoped that the Hicks home on what is now East 9th Street will be preserved in honor of its historical significance.

The family also plans to demonstrate its “appreciation to those individuals who participated in the Bogalusa Civil Rights struggle for freedom, justice and equality” by printing the Robert Hicks “Book of Freedom, Justice and Equality for all Mankind.”

All individuals and organizations that “made positive changes in Bogalusa” during the movement will be mentioned, and that includes everybody from marchers, picketers and public figures to those who provided food, shelter or even words of encouragement.

For inclusion, call Celeste Young at 735-5361 or email the names and telephone numbers to mrcivilrights2010@yahoo.com.

The committee is also looking for event volunteers for August 28.

For one thing, area churches are asked to each provide a minimum of four members to take part in the “Robert Hicks Civil Rights Voices” who will sing during the renaming ceremonies.

Anyone who would like to be a part of what promises to be a big day in Bogalusa is encouraged to contact the committee via the above phone number and Web address.