Students and residents across Mesa County gathered in front of Grand Junction’s City Hall Monday afternoon, to march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Memorial Breakfast is the nation’s longest-running event honoring the civil rights leader.
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In Detroit, a historical marker is being dedicated at the site of WGPR-TV, the country’s first black-owned and operated television station.
The sun graced hundreds who marched from University of Texas at Austin to the Texas Capitol during the 23rd annual event that concluded at Huston-Tillotson University. Organizers and participants say this walk has grown over the years and say they certainly hope this positive trend continues.
In honor of Dr. King, two priests – Rev. David Taylor and Rev. Carmen D’Amico were recognized for their longtime support of the Race and Reconciliation Group, which is a faith-based organization dedicated to combating racism in the community.
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday has been celebrated in the United States for thirty years, but it has only been a legal holiday in Arizona for the last 23 years.
Alexander believes he has benefited from the efforts of Dr. King and others who participated in the Civil Rights Movement, pointing that he was born into segregation in 1960 at a clinic just for blacks. “Marching keeps Dr. King’s Dream alive for generations to come”.
To instill those values, many community leaders want to start with Knoxville’s youth.
On Monday dozens of people came together in Kingsport to remember Dr. King.
“Unfortunately I don’t think his dream has been realized”, Hightower said.
Dr. King dedicated his life to making change in America by fighting for many issues, including education equality. “We need one parade”. “I’m just here as a young person to take us there and to say enough is enough”.
“I think I was at a school function when he was assassinated, and I do remember going home”.
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“We also are trying to make bridges in the community”, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby said.
