Southwest Louisiana commemorates Martin Luther King Day

People across the country remembered the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. O’Malley said King would be ashamed his county has made it harder to vote and easier to buy a gun.

“So they see this and they go “oh that wasn’t really good” so it’s a little more empathetic, understanding”, said Parkin.

Charles Jones says he marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and was even jailed with him in Albany, Georgia.

Madison Macek, also a Volunteer Center coordinator, added, “It’s always great to see how many students come out and want to make a difference and want to leave an impact here, so I always love to see just what everybody does”. But I think days like today kind of remind everybody that we are all one big community.

Thousands of people braved the cold and lined King Street to celebrate the life of Dr. King.

“As adults we must encourage and inspire our young people with our actions”, said Michael Joseph, MLK Legacy March Co-Chair.

Included in that visit the college held a luncheon complete with a speaker who talked about the importance of realizing your passion, much like Dr. King did many years ago.

There may not be a march or a speech, but King’s impact on Augusta is undeniable nearly 50 years after his final visit. For some, the memory of Dr. King sits close to home. “There’s bag checks and there is screenings but they’re quick; people are flowing through very quickly”, said Faith Morris with NCRM.

Many said we’re seeing the same issues we did in the 1960s, but City Councilman Ron Nirenberg said achieving the dream is not a destination, it’s a process, and it’s nice to know many San Antonians are working toward achieving equality.

Bishop Carr said, “On one end we have the first black president”. The same violence Dr. King stood against.

“I’m 44 and I’ve been coming down since I was a freshman in high school”, said James Watkins, a Spokane resident.