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ZEBULON - The Pike County MLK Committee cordially invites everyone to the 2026 MLK parade and program on January 19, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM with the parade. Our annual program will follow the parade at 11:00 AM. The theme is "Following the Footsteps of a King."

Our speaker is Mr. Syntel Brown, Chairman of the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education.

Chairman R. Syntel Brown has served as Chair of the Griffin-Spalding County Board of Education since 2023. He was first elected to the Board on May 22, 2018, winning the District One seat with 67 percent of the vote. Proudly representing THE OMNOPTENT FIRST DISTRICT, Chairman Brown was re-elected in 2022 and is currently serving his second term. Under his leadership, the Board of Education passed the largest budget in the history of the school system — $128.7 million — to support scholars, educators, and the community. Life In the World’s Greatest City- Griffin, Georgia A proud Griffin native, he was reared by his parents, Rick and Retha Brown, who became his first teachers and instilled in him the value of a good public education. He attended Third Ward Elementary, Flynt Street Middle School, and graduated from Griffin High School in 2004. As a product of the Griffin-Spalding County Schools, Chairman Brown understands the lasting impact of a quality education. A High Performing Social Studies Educator as an Award-Winning Georgia Public School Teacher, Syntel is a certificated Georgia Social Studies Educator for grades 4-8. Providing rigor and relevance in the classroom, Mr. Brown achieved notable success with his scholars, with 92-96 percent of scholars scoring proficient and distinguished on the Georgia Milestones Assessment test year after year. Chairman Brown is dedicated to promoting equity, improving educational outcomes for all scholars, and equipping students with life skills beyond the classroom.

Syntel is the Principal Owner of HB Standards, LLC, a minority-owned educational and political consulting firm, where he has won over 100 elections ranging from U.S. Congress, Georgia General Assembly (Georgia Senate and Georgia House of Representatives), members of the judiciary, county commissioners, county chairs, mayors, members of city council, and members of the Board of Education in multiple school districts across Georgia.

Chairman Brown is a man of many accolades and accomplishments, yet he remains deeply rooted in service. He continues to be an avid public servant throughout the Griffin-Spalding community and across the state of Georgia. A man of strong faith, he is a member of Shaw Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where he actively serves in the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Music.

The 2026 Torch Bearer Award will be presented to Mrs. Brenda Flemister Mathis.

Brenda Flemister Mathis is the fourth of seven children born to the late Joe Louis Flemister, Sr. and Shirley Pierce Flemister. She was raised in a close-knit family with three sisters and three brothers, where faith, service, and education were deeply valued.

Brenda received her early education in the Pike County Public Schools and was a 1977 honor graduate of Pike County High School in Zebulon, Georgia. She continued her academic journey at Fort Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University) in Fort Valley, Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Middle Grades Education in 1981, graduating with honors. Awarded a full scholarship, she pursued graduate studies at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, serving as a Graduate Fellow and earning a Master of Arts Degree in Education in 1982. In 1996, she further advanced her professional credentials by earning an Education Specialist Degree from Troy State University in Phenix City, Alabama.

Brenda dedicated 33 years of faithful service to the children of Pike County through the Pike County Public Schools, retiring on June 1, 2015. During her distinguished career as a middle grades educator, she was named Teacher of the Year in 1990. Her commitment to student development extended beyond the classroom, as she served as a cheerleading coach, intramural basketball coach, assistant coach for the Pike County High School Girls’ Varsity Basketball team, Academic Team coach, science club sponsor, and assistant basketball coach. After retirement, Brenda continued her passion for education as a substitute teacher until 2020 and remains involved with students as a judge for the REACH Scholarship Program.

A devoted servant-leader, Brenda is an active member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Kelvin Owens. She serves as church secretary and President of the Sanctuary Choir and is a member of the Finance Team, Ushers, Deaconess, and Educational Aide Ministries. Additionally, she teaches Sunday School and serves as the Vacation Bible School Coordinator, exemplifying her deep commitment to Christian education and service.

Brenda is also civically engaged, holding membership in the Pike County Branch of the NAACP and Concerned Citizens of Pike County. She is the assistant secretary for the NAACP and CC4P and chairman of the Scholarship Committee. She previously served on the J. Joel Edwards Library Board during 2014–2015.

A proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Beta Omega Chapter (Griffin, Georgia), Brenda has maintained membership for forty-two years and holds Life Membership status. Throughout her sorority service, she has held numerous leadership positions, including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, financial secretary, and parliamentarian. She has chaired several committees, including membership, scholarship, fundraising, budget, and bylaws. Currently, she serves on the Spiritual Oversight Team and the Empowering Our Family and Social Justice initiatives. In recognition of her exceptional service, she was named Member of the Year in 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, and 2022.

Brenda is married to Mr. Jerry Mathis, and they reside in Meansville, Georgia. Together, they are the proud parents of two children and grandparents of three grandchildren.

Parade Line Up Information

We encouraged everyone to participate as we continue to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Line up starts as early as 9:00AM and we recommend everyone be on site not later than 10:30AM, the parade will leave promptly at 11:00 AM. The line will be at Fullers Chapel United Methodist Church, 134 Meansville St, Zebulon, GA. The parade will leave the parking lot at 11:00AM and return for the celebration program at the church which will commence at Mt. Hope Baptist Church, 12 Griffin St. Zebulon, GA.

For additional information please contact Regina Bridges at 678-588-4058, Patricia Beckham at 770-468-4937, Edward Alexander 770-544-9406 or Veronica Evans at 770-567-3225.