MLK March & Luncheon Unites Saginaw Community
Residents Honor Dr. King’s Legacy with a call to action
By Latoya Williams
On Monday Jan. 19, over two dozen supporters gathered on the corner of N. Franklin and Hayden St to participate in a march honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The event, organized by Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta College and Bethel A.M.E Church, where community members braved harsh winter temperatures and blowing snow to walk together in solidarity.
Participants carried signs that said “ONE RACE: THE HUMAN RACE” and “Vote: Don’t just say it DO IT” to show that they are continuing the fight for justice and equality. The march route led by Saginaw Police Department travelled the four city blocks to the Dow Event center much like Martin Luther King did decades ago during the fight for equality, echoing his call for action.
Local leaders addressed the crowd at the final stop, sharing personal stories and urging attendees to remain engaged in the pursuit of social justice. The atmosphere was filled with hope and determination, as leaders, officials, students, and faith groups pledged to keep Dr. King’s dream alive.
The luncheon featured distinguished keynote speaker the Rev. Andre Spivey, whose message was clear, “Dream One Size Bigger.” According to Spivey, most people dream too small and have outgrown the dream they are currently in. What is needed to continue Dr. King’s dream is the need to set our sights and goals higher.
“It is in those painful moments that teaches us how to support each other.” Spivey said.
Spivey’s Message was filled with clever connections between the secular and sanctified worlds just as Dr. King’s speeches would have been. Advocating equality in a peaceful non-violent manner, mandating a clear message of the need for moral justice.
In closing, Spivey left the crowd with a requirement for the next generation, “teach them to rebuild, repair what we have broken and divided, teach them to compete and to care.”
Musical performances done by Saginaw United senior student Aisha Little and music director Jordan Ewards, who lead the crowd in the Black national anthem “Lift every Voice and Sing” and other classical music ballads like “My Girl.”
Honorees of this year’s awards were Darrin Johnson, director of Delta’s recruitment and development departments who received the Spirit of Dr. King Jr Award, Dr. Eugene & Joyce Seals Family Foundation who received the Dr. MLK Unity Award, and Brother Sharmon Noel who received the James P Gaddis Service Award.
As the plates were cleared and all of the hands were shaken this event ended non-voilently proving Saginaw is capable of unity where there is a greater good. These events proved this community is still marching towards peace and Justice.
