SAVANNAH, Ga. — For almost 30 years, the MLK Day Parade in Savannah has celebrated local citizens by naming Grand Marshals who embody service, leadership, and the values championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, Leroy and Olga Williams have the distinction of being chosen as the 2026 Grand Marshals.

The Grand Marshal role is a prestigious one, as they are tasked with leading the parade that draws thousands of spectators lining Savannah’s streets. In an exclusive conversation, Leroy and Olga Williams reflected on being honored not just for their community service, but for transforming personal tragedy into a powerful legacy of positive change.

For the Williamses, learning about this honor was an emotional experience.

“It felt surreal and incredibly humbling,” expressed Olga Williams. “Dr. King’s legacy is monumental. While we aren’t claiming to fill his shoes, being recognized alongside previous MLK Grand Marshals is truly an honor.”

Each year, the Savannah MLK Observance Day Association selects individuals as grand marshals who exemplify service and leadership. The Williamses, chosen for 2026, are a couple whose dedication to advocacy was born out of profound personal loss.

We set out on this journey to make sure a mother and father never feel the way we feel. So to be be honored at the Martin Luther King Day is a big honor for me. And I’m overwhelmed right now,” said Leroy Williams.

“When Dominique was killed, there was a fire burning inside of me that said, we got to do something. The thought of another family going through what we just went through – that was unbelievable,” explained Olga Williams.

Out of that pain came purpose, the creation of Dominique’s World and Couples Only, two impactful organizations that emerged following the tragic loss of their 17-year-old son. Their organizations focused on mentorship, family, and ending gun violence.

“So what we want to do is we want to encourage young people in our community that they are great, they are fabulous, that they can do anything,” said Olga Williams.

Through it all they say that faith has carried them forward.

“My relationship with Christ, you know, I got to understand that my son didn’t live in vain and he was loved,” said Leroy Williams.

For Olga, this MLK Day honor is also deeply personal – connecting her family’s past to Savannah’s civil rights history.

“Well Martin Luther King and W.W. Law used to actually have meetings at my grandparents’ residence. So, this is just amazing. It’s like a full circle,” said Olga Williams.

The pair celebrated the exciting news of being honored as 2026 Grand Marshals in a unique way at Leroy’s 50th birthday party.

“I held the secret and I asked (our friend) her if she would come announce that his surprise party, which was that weekend,” said Olga Williams. “And she did. I didn’t tell anybody beforehand. Everybody at the party was just in shock.”

Leroy pointed at Olga and said his reaction to the birthday surprise was astounded joy. “She had me crying. In the moment I was thinking ‘what?’ I was overwhelmed.”

This holiday, the Williamses hope their story serves as a reminder that meaningful change begins when love is put into action. If you spot them in the MLK Day Parade on Monday morning, be sure to wave hello.