Many people from different walks of life participated in the 2020 Martin Luther King March despite the snow and bitter cold Monday morning.
Over a hundred marchers showed up at Owensboro High School huddled under blankets and holding signs to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Eunice Taylor, president of the Owensboro Human Relations Commission, was at the front of the line leading the group. She said the march has gotten better every year, adding she’s thrilled there seemed to be more young people present.
MLK Parade 2020 pic.twitter.com/sdx7tNTjMU
— Owensboro Times (@OwensboroTimes) January 20, 2020
“Martin Luther King said ‘I have a dream,’ and he was speaking for himself, for that particular point in time,” Taylor said. “Now we have a dream. We have his dream. And his dream was to be peaceful, nonviolent, to fight for injustice.”
The National Weather Service said Monday was not only the coldest day of the year but also of the winter season.
Despite the unkind temperatures many, especially the youths, smiled and laughed as they marched about half a mile down Frederica Street toward Brescia University, where marchers were joined by others.
“We had a really good turn out,” said Jaklyn Hill, OHRC board member. “A lot of students came. It was great for us young people, but not so much for the older folks.”
Everyone settled into their seats in Taylor Lecture Hall and heard addresses from community leaders.
“As I look around this room, I see a lot of courage,” Taylor said. “Thank you for being here today.”
“As I look around this room, I see a lot of courage,” because you all braved the cold and marched through the snow this morning said Eunice Taylor, president of OHRC, to a room of about 250 at Taylor Lecture Hall. pic.twitter.com/81AfiAu3mB
— Owensboro Times (@OwensboroTimes) January 20, 2020
Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly gave a speech. Other notable community leaders present include Owensboro NAACP President Rhondalyn Randolph, Owensboro Chief of Police Arthur Ealum and Kentucky Wesleyan College President Thomas Mitzel.
“Today I talked about nonviolence and why it’s important,” said Sekou Franklin, keynote speaker. “Particularly for those who are marginalized and also stigmatized and shut out. For them it’s a tool they can use to transform conditions. And transforming themselves as well and dealing with contemporary forms of violence which also includes racism and poverty.”
OHRC and Brescia University partnered this year to host the annual march. The university provided lunch at the end of the program.
Russell Moorman who marched with his children said he gets involved with the event every year.
He said, “It’s a good day for peace and remembering Martin Luther King Jr.”
