The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March brought hundreds of people out to the City of Erie to walk in honor of the late civil rights activist.
Everyone had their own reasons for why they march, some did it as part of tradition, a handful of children did it because they just learned about Dr. King in school, but this year’s march had even more significance.
The blustery, January day didn’t stop men, women, and even young children from marching in honor of dr. Martin luther king jr.
Kanani Baeza explained why she came out to march, “It’s really important, and it’s his birthday, so we should be out here for him.”
Other students said they have learned a lot from Dr. King and hope to continue to carry out his dream
Jasiah Baeza said, “People should accomplish what they want to do and they can do whatever they want because it’s their own life.”
Before the march, people listened to speeches in perry square from community leaders, including the superintendent from Erie’s Public Schools, Dr. Natalyn Gibbs who said she was proud to see so many of her students march, “They showed up and so we are very appreciative.”
She believes children are the future which is why students played a big part in the events, like helping raise the flag outside city hall and leading the march.
According to Dr. Gibbs, “They are giving their time today for a greater cause.”
“As people marched, it wasn’t just Dr. King people had in mind, but long-time Executive Director of the MLK Center, James Sherrod.
City Council Member Jasmine Flores said it was an easy decision to name a street in Sherrod’s honor, “And the community building and the equity and the inclusion Mr. Sherrod tried to pave the wavy for us in the City of Erie is going to be notable for all the young people he inspired to take up leadership.”
Sherrod like Dr. King believed shaping the future starts with the youngest generation, which is something Dr. Gibbs believes as well, “We are also thinking about our future and so I have said time and time again that it takes a village to do this life changing work .”
Following the street dedication, there was also a wreath laying ceremony, and performances for the community inside the MLK Center.