Thousands marched Saturday to honor a man who believed making strides toward the principles of equality and peace were worth more than his own life. It was the annual parade to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The sounds of high school bands, drill teams, bagpipes, car horns, and loud cheering filled the streets of East Village. The sun was ever present during the four-hour parade that began and ended at Petco Park.
The parade route was a treat for the senses from sights of dancers, service members, churches, and fraternities to sounds of antique cars, reggae, and toe tapping. Local dignitaries participated including Mayor Jerry Sanders and Assembly Member Marty Block, holding his signature dry erase board with a message “3 days to President Obama.”
That seemed to be a common feeling among participants and spectators. They came to honor Dr. King and celebrate what was once a dream of his: the first African American President.
“We're living in a very historic time, not only commemorating the legacy of Dr. King, but also the election of the first African American President and it's a time of great optimism and a time of great change,” said Neema Baraka, who came to the parade to watch her son in the Lincoln High School band.
“I think it’s an important time for this country and this is part of the celebration. That’s the way I like to look at it,” said spectator Pete Shepard.
Many participants paid their respects with signs “MLK Jr.: A Great American” and banners with his famous silhouette and the words “Freedom Through Education.” Words that help drive home the reality that the freedoms Dr. King fought so hard for have truly come alive, especially at this moment in time.
“This is important because it lets me know my mom’s generation has accomplished something and Martin Luther King was a great man and now that we have a new President that’s going to be excellent,” said Angela Etheridge, wearing her Obama t-shirt.
There was a festival and awards ceremony after the parade at the Martin Luther King Junior Promenade. Martin Luther King Junior Day is observed nationally on Monday.
