Award offered to youth at Annual MLK march

Posted 1/18/21

On a somewhat chilly morning, Monday, Jan. 18, many gathered in the heart of the Ford-Sunset community for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March.

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Award offered to youth at Annual MLK march

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LABELLE — On a somewhat chilly morning, Monday, Jan. 18, many gathered in the heart of the Ford-Sunset community for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March. This event, held in memory of the great civil rights leader, was noticeably smaller than previous years. Many in attendance commented on the smaller crowd, saying that between battling the challenges presented by the pandemic, and having suffered so many tragic losses in the community, combined with an incredibly tense political climate, they were disappointed but not surprised at the low turnout.

Despite the possible threats to their safety, many showed up in solidarity. Some held signs that promoted “love not hate” and being “stronger together” as they marched along.

“At least there are a bunch of youth. They’re what matters. They’re our future, our hope,” said one father who attended the event with his five young sons.

“Yes, we were all a little worried, but we decided to march because Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is still attainable, it still inspires us, and we know silence will do nothing to move us forward,” said one young woman while holding her squirmy toddler’s hand. “Every day in this country, in this state, and right here in LaBelle, people of color are used, harassed, and degraded. Enough is enough. I want a better future for my son.” Both wore masks as they walked hand-in-hand down Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd with the rest of the marchers.

“We march each year because we still hope for a future free from hate, intolerance, and discrimination,” one local resident said. He went on, “I worry for the safety of my brothers and sister. I worry when I see this crowd getting smaller. When I see people who normally come out every year, aren’t here. Yes, I worry. But we have to just keep going. Keep doing what we can. We have to show up for the kids at least.”

The march ended at the James Singleton Community Center, where Pastor Alonzo MacKenzie, a well-known community leader, spoke, encircled by the crowd. “We have so much to be thankful for, I would like to personally thank the sheriff’s department who didn’t get notice, saw it in the paper, and they showed up.” He also explained, “We are standing outside because COVID is real!” He went on to say that he wanted to keep the community safe, as he had personal experience with family members being hospitalized due to COVID-19, and that gathering inside a small building would be too dangerous. As was tradition, he then opened up the floor for anyone else to speak.

Long time community leader and local teacher, Augusta Ross, stepped up to speak. Ross explained that she was feeling a bit heavy hearted, and that many other occasions and events had better turn outs, but that this was one of the most important.

“Year after year we walk this road. We walk down Martin Luther King Road, we just walk. But do we really know the purpose of why we walk?” Ross asked the crowd. “Do y’all know the real reason why we walk?” Several children in the crowd shook their heads, “no.” Ross passionately spoke to the crowd, she asked the children to go home and research the importance of Dr. King and the reason for marching.

After Ross finished her moving speech, Pastor MacKenzie spoke up and offered $100 to any child in the community, aged 12 years or older, to write an essay about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and why his march was important, to be published in the newspaper. Another person in the crowd offered $50, making the award $150 total. The children’s faces lit up with excitement. MacKenzie said the essay entries were due next Monday, January 25, for his review.

The march ended with volunteers serving up hot food and cold refreshments, donated to the event.

MLK, march, martin luther king, Jr,

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