Hundreds march for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

According to organizers, the annual Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Parade draws about 100,000 people to the city, lining the parade route and the 31st annual version of the event was no different.

The two-mile procession began at 10:15 a.m.at Martin Luther King Jr.

For the kids, it might be initially be considered a day off from school, a day they can catch candy from the parade floats.

“People come together in celebration not just of him, but of where we have come from where he was”, said Sheila Charles, Ray Charles’ daughter. A Central Illinois community marched in King’s honor Monday.

Volunteer Raushaun Michael believes this day is just as much about inspiration as it is about reflection.

Dr. King dedicated his life to making change in America by fighting for many issues, including education equality.

But even in the winter chill, everyone I spoke to said nothing could stop them from being out here. “We couldn’t do many things we wanted to; for instance, I always wanted to go into the military, become a missionary and further my education”.

Several hundred people participate in a march in St. Louis.

While expressing his gratitude through dance, another student says it’s an honor just to be a part of his legacy.

When 7-year-old Damariya thinks of Martin Luther King, Jr., she thinks of her best friend.

We have lost Martin Luther King, everybody’s friend.

The presentation included a retelling of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech as well as speeches, music and scholarship awards and recognition to Butte County youth.

“By passing on what we’ve experience and what we’ve learned empowers them for our future”, NAACP member Malynthia Nash said. “We could have manned this with our own people but the point of Martin Luther King day is harmony over hate so well get people to come together”.