“If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he’s traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.” Martin Luther King Jr
Mr. Ronnie and Mrs. Yolanda Shuemake have been named Grand Marshals for Swainsboro’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr parade. The parade will be held on Monday, January 18. Ronnie and Yolanda Shuemake have been the driving force behind the Future Generations’ Bookbag Drive since its inception over 20 years ago. They were the first to start this volunteer tradition in Swainsboro. Their primary legacy is the book bag drive, but their service to the community is year around.
Ronnie and Yolanda both grew up in Swainsboro and attended Swainsboro High School. Their commitment to discipline and service was established early in their lives and grew stronger as they were united in marriage. They have led by example and have continuously served their family and the Swainsboro community.
Hard work is nothing new to either of them. Yolanda grew up working on her grandparents' farm in rural Emanuel County. The heat and vigor of working outside in the tobacco fields and doing other tasks helped instill in her a valuable work ethic. Most youth from Yolanda’s era were introduced to the church at an early age through their parents or grandparents. Yolanda was no exception. She became an active member of the Willow Spring Baptist Church early during her youth. Hard work and the foundation of the church have always guided Linda’s life path.
Ronnie grew up in the "city" of Swainsboro in a loving family that taught him the principles of hard work and integrity. Whether it was pulling up crabgrass at the golf course as a youth or performing tasks around the house, everyone did their share. Ronnie’s family was active in church, and Ronnie learned to trust in Jesus at a very early age. Ronnie was also a member of the Swainsboro High School football team. He said he learned many valuable lessons of discipline from Coach James White, Coach Dessie Davis, Coach James Harper, and others.
Ronnie graduated from high school in 1978 and then served in the United States Army from 1978 to 1982. After leaving the Army, he worked for the Department of Corrections in Jackson, Ga, and Reidsville, Ga. In 1991, he joined the Georgia State Patrol, where he worked until retiring a few years ago.
Ronnie and Yolanda were married in 1982. They have three children, Ronnie, Demetrius, and Derrick. They also have 3 grandchildren. Ronnie and Yolanda Shuemake are true gems and leaders in the Swainsboro community. Their commitment to serving the community through their annual book bag drive and ongoing service throughout the year is symbolic of Dr. King’s idea of community service.
Congratulations, Ronnie and Yolanda, for being selected as the 2026 Grand Marshals.
“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Martin Luther King Jr.
Schedule for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr Events:
Prayer Breakfast Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Vann Community Center
Commemoration Program on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Swainsboro, with a start time of 5 p.m.
MLK parade on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 1 p.m. The 4-H Center, located at 324 South Circle Drive, will serve as the place to gather. Line-up and parade preparation will begin at 11:30 a.m.
A Closing Ceremony will be held at the Emanuel County Board of Education parking lot.
