With Confederate flag gone, ML King Day rally shifts focus

Communities around Milwaukee gathered to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.

“It’s important that all of us, but especially those in public service, remember the words of Dr. King: ‘ultimately, a great nation is a compassionate nation, ‘” said Sweeney.

Music filled the south steps of the Texas Capitol, as youth with the Vision of Hope AME Church talked about what Dr. King means to them.

Many at a march reflected Monday about the civil rights leader and what he stood for.

“I think Dr. King would be somewhat disappointed across the county about our leadership and how things are being handled”, said John Nave with the Living the Dream Inc.

“Some of the issues that were of concern during Martin Luther King’s life are still of concern and still warrant attention”, said Stephanie Bachman, walking in the march.

“We’ve had our arms open ever since we started”, said Ovide Ducantell, executive director of the Black Heritage Society, referring to wanting one parade instead of two.

Most schools in mid-Michigan and all government offices are closed today in honor of the civil rights leader. “And it’s very awesome to give them to somebody else and help them”, says 9-year-old Cece.

“While we have been distracted, new voting rights restrictions have been created”, she said.

“It’s a day for us together and realize where we came from”, said Charles Hammonds, president of Damn Fools MC.

Pastor Ronald Boyd says Dr. King has been an inspiration to him his walk in ministry.

“We have people coming together from elementary schools, Greek organizations and the business community”, Sain said.

“Dr. King would say there’s too much violence and too much urban deterioration and no investment”, Jackson said.

“We need to take actions that make quality educations a reality for every child in America regardless of his or her zip code and that moves american forward to debt free college for all Americans again”, explained O’Malley.