Almost 200 people attended a Martin Luther King, Jr.
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“We are the class of 1967, Thompkins High School and we have been participating for years”, said Mars Gray.
At the Statehouse, about 1,000 people assembled under chilly, sunny skies to mark the 30th anniversary of the federal holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader, who was killed in 1968.
More than 50 years ago, one man changed the course of the nation.
As King opened the door to a brighter future for many of us, these people are hoping to open the door to a better future for our kids.
We asked marchers: Is Dr. King’s dream close to reality?
Bennie Rountree a civil rights pioneer in the east marched with Dr. King on many occasions. O’Malley said King would be ashamed his county has made it harder to vote and easier to buy a gun.
These children haven’t lived in a world with Dr. King, but their world is very different because of him. “We’re trying to raise up another generation of African Americans who can become teachers and educators, not just for the African American community but trained ON the African American community”, he says.
Rountree says before blacks can demand respect from law enforcement and others, they must respect themselves.
“Just to be grateful and thankful that we can walk freely with the community, family and friends in love”, said Spectator Adrian Gill. However, many parents used the day as a way to talk to their children about the legacy of Dr. King.
“By volunteering at a homeless center, volunteering at a senior center, going and visiting a senior and making sure they are okay and warm today”, said Kym Young, longtime community activist.
Thousands of people braved the cold and lined King Street to celebrate the life of Dr. King.
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“Happy Birthday Martin Luther King”, seven-year-old TJ Culberson said. And doing it on Martin Luther King, Jr.
