Jackson County residents celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march and rally drew thousands to the streets in celebration and reflection on Monday (Jan 18), 2016.

Tamika Richardson said it’s about remembering the past and pushing forward for change in the future. “What he would say today is for us to get together and trust each other”.

The theme of freedom is especially meaningful this year, she said, because it is the 50th anniversary of her father’s trip to Chicago to highlight the need for open and fair housing.

More than 300 volunteers total upwards of 1,200 hours of community service in an effort to spread Dr. King’s message of helping the community.

A historical marker sits in Tyson’s yard.

It’s something she says has been lost since the Civil Rights movement, but not something that is gone forever. Wilmington resident James Boynton is one of them.

“You forced important power in high places to recognize that the scared memory of the Emanuel Nine would be parched by a symbol of injustice flying over the Capitol”, he said at a prayer breakfast.

“This day is devoted to improving education and I hope for the sake of the children of SC, progress is possible”, said Clinton.

The Paterson Youth Council event honored a group of young people and their adult advisors, for their tireless work in improving their community through their commitment to Dr. King’s ideals and virtues. Williamson County’s State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti spoke in honor of Dr. King.

For 4-year-old Henry Laudadio, who was in MLK parade, he is already curious about the history of Dr. King.

“Dr. King stood in the gap for so many of us”.

“We have commercialized so many holidays – Presidents Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day – this really should be a holiday of giving, of doing service for someone else”, said veteran and Crossroads Hospice volunteer Kevin Bradley.