MLK March

After Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's death, reverend R.A. Callies had the first unofficial MLK march in 1968 with only a red truck, two loudspeakers, and no more that 10 or 15 people. Today, the march has grown to over 100,000 participants. Some attend the march for the first time out of curiosity. For others, the march is a family tradition, but for William B. Johnson, it's the debt that Dr. King paid that brings him out every year. "San Antonian's are such that many people are oriented toward people kind of issues and that's reflected of the people who march here today, numbers are one thing but the people who are here are the people who have the interest of their fellow community members at heart," says Johnson.

This year participants in the march included local families, high school and college organizations, and many local businesses. All gathered in honor of Dr. King. I was lucky enough to see music director of Unity Church and winner of the 2010 Baha'i Unity of Humanity Award, Dana Clark, among the many patrons honoring Dr. King's dream. Clark has attended the MLK march for over 20 years as a way to renew her faith in a better world with friends and family. Clark says she's proud San Antonio hosts the largest march in the nation. To experience the march, participate in something of this magnitude, along with the diversity, participants broaden their horizons and change perspectives in the world in a positive way.

Professors Laura Lawrence and Gary Bowling led Northwest Vista's involvement in the MLK march this year. Both feel it is important to commemorate heroes like Dr. King and help get students involved with community activities. Students and professors alike displayed NVC's values of caring and diversity. Bowling, a veteran of MLK marches, says he has participated in commemorative marches across the nation: Birmingham, San Francisco, Atlanta, including the Selma to Montgomery march.

Bowling states, "I think things like this [march] are very important. It's a very important part of that college experience. It's a lot more than just sitting in the classroom." NVC student, Jennifer Westerman, says, "I think more people should go out and get on their feet and do this with the people of our city. They should experience the feeling of unity and celebrate Dr. King's life and work."

Despite the fog and damp atmosphere, participants were not discouraged to participate in the three mile march. Spectators lined the streets. Families came out of their homes to watch. The scene was filled with hymn singing and signs like "Let the Dream Live On" and "Equality for All." The march ended at Pittman Sullivan Park. There participants enjoyed live music, a special greeting from Mayor Julian Castro, and a speech by keynote speaker Coach Herman Boone. Boone's inspirational story was captured in the Disney film 'Remember the Titans'.

Also, San Antonio's Queen of Soul 2009, Ashley Dixon, who has participated in the event every year since she can remember first singing the national anthem, greeted participants and spectators alike. Dixon, 20, a student at St. Phillips, says that it is important to keep the dream alive, to get involved, and to continue the fight for equality. Following Dixon, Mayor Julian Castro delivered a charismatic speech honoring Dr. King. But Coach Herman Boone stole the show with his words of compassion and truth. The celebration continued into the evening with tributes to Rev. R.A. Callies, featured guest recording artist Don Hamilton & Pure Worship and Marvin Sapp.

When most think of MLK day, they are excited about a day off from the daily grind of school or work, but MLK day is much more than a holiday from your daily routine. The MLK holiday is a celebration to value what we've achieved socially as a society and recognition over how we need to continue the fight for equality. Dr. King shed light on inequality and subsequently lost his life for this cause. It is our responsibility to continue his legacy and dream.