Congressman Keith Ellsion, a representative for the 5th District of Minnesota, will be the featured speaker at the Natchitoches Parish Voters and Civic League Education and Voter Registration Banquet Friday, Aug. 25 at 6 pm at the Natchitoches Events Center.

Ellison’s Natchitoches Parish connection is rooted in the Balthazer and Martinez families of the Melrose community. Hundreds of former students of the Natchitoches Parish Training School, Central High School and the Central Area Trade School will recall the educational and life mentorship emanating from his grandparents, the late Frank and Doris Martinez. This memorable couple were the parents of Ellison’s mother, Clytia Cora “Pet” Martinez Ellison. They lived in the 400 block of what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Natchitoches. Ellison’s grandmother was a second grade specialist for many years and his grandfather was an industrial arts teacher prior to becoming the first director of the Central Area Trade School.

Rep. Ellison has been the effective voice for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District for five terms. His policy agenda is based on four key priorities- peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability and support for civil and human rights. His political resume was recently enhanced when he was elected vice president of the Democratic National Committee. A myriad of viewers are influenced by his commentary on George Stephanopoulos’ Sunday morning television political program.

League members have tickets on sale for $25 per person. Corporate tables, $500, are going fast. Each corporate sponsor will be recognized at the event and will become part of the commemorative souvenir booklet.

LA Rep. Karen Carter Peterson will be among the many distinguished guests and participants at this signature event along with a number of other state-wide, parish-wide and locally elected officials.