More than 1,000 people took part in the MLK March and Festival in downtown Phoenix Monday. The procession ended at Margaret T. Hance Park and commemorated the life and work of civil-rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
March coordinator Marquis Scott considered the march a success despite Sunday’s rain.
“The marches are always funny because our largest crowds have been when it’s raining and cold,” Scott said. Scott hoped to have at least 1,500 people participate in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Although the holiday has been observed as a federal holiday since January 16, 1986, it was not recognized in Arizona until 1992, when voters approved of Proposition 300 to observe it in the state.
The 54-degree weather failed to be an obstacle as hundreds of people began to gather in anticipation and excitement. Some participants carried signs reading “Justice” or had banners in tow. The crowd encompassed a wide array of ages and races, including several ASU students.
Several students from Edison Elementary School led the march, carrying a lit torch symbolizing a flame of hope passed to the youth.
The two-mile march began at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church at 14th and Jefferson streets around 9 a.m. and ended downtown at Margaret T. Hance Park. More than 40 booths were set up in the park along with a stage to display local talent.
Psychology and African-American studies senior Tierra Ellis came out to march with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, an organization consisting of nine black fraternities and sororities.
“There should be more than one day, but the least we could do is honor him today,” Ellis said.
Exercise and wellness sophomore Alvin Baldwin was a security volunteer during the festival because it was a good day to give back and help, he said.
The numerous volunteers were key to the success of the event, which the MLK March Committee begins planning as early as September each year.
Some participants — like John Pirtle, who has attended since 1994 — haven’t missed a march in years. Others, including Phoenix resident Amos Holts, attended for the first time.
“I wanted to come out and celebrate (King’s) vision, his dream and what he really stood for, not only in the black community but in every culture’s community,” Holts said.
From girl scouts to councilmen, the themes of justice and unity served as a common bond for everyone involved.
“It’s just a day that brings people together. All of our barriers and walls are being torn down to give us an opportunity to love each other like we should be doing everyday,” Scott said.
The marchers arrived at Hance Park cheering and pausing to take an occasional photograph.
Before the festivities began, several influential guests spoke about the importance of the day and their statewide dreams and goals.
“I’m going to say to Arizona that if there’s any state that should be celebrating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, and our rights, and our privileges and making sure that our civil liberties are never to be violated, it should be Arizona,” said Arizona state Senate Assistant Minority Leader Leah Landrum-Taylor, D-Phoenix.
Other dignitaries, such as Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, Superintendent of Public Instruction John Hupenthall and Maricopa County Board Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox joined Landrum-Taylor in the movement.
“My request to you is not only to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King (Jr.) today, but make sure you live it tomorrow,” said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.
Reach the reporter at alhaines@asu.edu
