SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio’s East Side transformed into a powerful sea of voices and movement as families, children, and leaders from across the city gathered to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Despite the cold, participants showed up in force, inspired by a message that continues to resonate across generations.

AJ Fuller, a first-time marcher, emphasized the importance of embodying Dr. King’s dream daily. “If you’re on this march, or even if you’re not, and you appreciated what Martin Luther King did for us. Make sure that you are living that dream every day, showing people love, showing people compassion, supporting each other, not fighting hate with hate,” Fuller said.

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The event drew a diverse crowd, including children, families, and individuals in wheelchairs. A deaconess in training at True Vine Church remarked on the diversity, saying, “It is just amazing to see different walks of life, children, grandparents, people bringing their grandchildren out to this experience.”

The march was a testament to Dr. King’s message of peace, freedom, and equality. An archdeacon at True Vine Church reflected on Dr. King’s impact, stating, “Peace, freedom, equality, that all men are created equal.”

Joe Jones, president of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters’ Association, noted the relevance of Dr. King’s message today. “I think it resonates in the way we treat each other, doesn’t it? That’s what I think, I think it’s mean peaceful protests. I mean nationwide. I think that’d be debatable, especially up north right now, we’re in some contentious times as a country, and I think that Dr King’s message is more important today, perhaps than it’s ever been,” Jones said.

Sheriff Javier Salazar expressed his admiration for the event’s growth and spirit. “This event never ceases to amaze me. Every single year, we feel like, oh, man, it’s cold. People are going to stay home and they don’t. Every year, this event continues to get bigger and more jubilant. And I just love being a part of it,” Salazar said.

While progress is being made, many believe the community is closer than ever to realizing Dr. King’s dream.