By Kelli Green
Last Monday, January 18, we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This was the thirtieth year of the celebration commemorating the leader who would have been 87-years-old on January 15.
Many citizens of Pensacola congregated downtown to help celebrate. Schools, various branches of the military, churches, local law enforcement and local businesses traveled through the excited crowds, ramping up the feelings of good-will and joining in the celebration. The parade’s theme, “Protect the Dream, Serve the People,” was showcased throughout the event with numerous floats and posters.
Children and adults alike enjoyed parade floats and the various treats being thrown from them, ranging from the usual candy and beads, to larger items like stuffed animals and books. People from all around Pensacola met in one spot, giving life to Dr. King’s dream. Black and white and every color in between stood side by side in remembrance of a man who gave his life for very moments like these.
Pensacola State College faculty and students participated in the event as well. PSC students and faculty members, some of them being from PSC’s African American Student Association, enjoyed the parade and showed their support.
Unity, fellowship and just plain fun radiated through the crowd, and made for yet another great Martin Luther King Day parade in Pensacola.
