Despite the rainy weather, several people gathered in downtown Greenville this weekend to show their support for a man who “had a dream.”
The 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta held their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade Saturday as a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King.
The parade had 42 entries from across the Mississippi Delta to showcase their own way of highlighting Dr. King and the values he stood for.
The theme of this year’s parade was “Dr. King’s 20/20 Vision — A Time to Empower, Strengthen and Bridge Barriers for a “Beloved Community.”
Throughout the parade, the children who attended ran out to grab the candy being tossed, but they also sat back and watched in amazement. Whether it was a float or a band, their eyes were glued.
Mark Seard, president of the 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta, said the highlight was seeing all the smiling faces in attendance.
“Seeing the public enjoy the display of celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was amazing. Dr. King’s life and legacy was one based on equality, justice and peace,” Seard said. “So many areas we can relate the need for these things. It wasn’t just for African-Americans that he sought this for, but for all individuals who were in need.”
Greenville Fire Department Chief Ruben Brown, a participant in the parade, said he enjoyed being a part of the parade because he got a chance to pay homage to Dr. King and his legacy.
“Martin Luther King’s work, purpose and legacy continues to inspire me in a major way, and I am grateful for all the hard work he did so I can be where I am today,” Brown said.
Local resident Carolyn Moore, who came to watch the parade, said she comes every year because she enjoys the parade.
“I support the parade because it is a community organization who hosts it,” Moore said. “Also, as a graduate of Greenville High School during desegregation, seeing what Martin Luther King fought for actually come to the light makes me so happy and proud.”
Two participants of the Greenville (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Delta G.E.M.S youth initiative, Jamillia McKinley and Jada Cummings, said being in this parade highlights MLK in the best way possible.
“In Delta’s G.E.M.S youth group, we are taught many and one thing is community involvement and being in this parade was that and more,” McKinley said.
“Martin Luther King to me means that I can achieve all of my dreams,” Cummings said.
Tomeka Shaw-Collins, who came to watch the parade, said she comes to the parade to support the city and honor Dr. King.
“Martin Luther King Jr. was an activist who fought for our civil rights. He has done so much for our country along with others. His famous speech “I Have A Dream” has inspired millions to get out and succeed and not stop until they achieve their dream,” Shaw-Collins said.
Three members of the Eta Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Tamela Gines, Dianne Zanders and Jermellody Christian, said the ladies of Eta Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority believe it is necessary to support events, such as the MLK parade each year.
“As leaders in our community, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. As we strive daily to be of service to all mankind, we want to bring awareness to citizens in our community. We must have a 2020 vision and continue to promote all that is positive,” Gines said.
“By supporting the Martin Luther King parade, I recognize my history and the power that one person can have in regard to the treatment of mankind. Further, I can reflect on the struggles of our community and the need for change. I am reminded that our work is not yet done and we still have a ways to go,” Zanders said. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. represents a man who fought for peace, justice for all and fairness. Even though life isn’t fair, we should want to treat others with respect and dignity. He represents a man who wanted to see change. That change represents equality for all in our education arena, on our jobs, and in life itself. As I reflect on his vision, I know there is a lot of work that needs to be done to empower and strengthen our youth. The question remains… what are we going to do about it?”
“Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. stands firm on supporting our community and ultimately the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King. It was no question when the opportunity permitted itself to support our community in showing the importance of breaking those racial barriers. we decided on making sure we brought his vision to life,” said Christian. “Our motto aligns to his dream, and that is to “Provide Supreme Service to all mankind”, and we wanted to do just that. Dr. King’s dream lives through us and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated truly believes in Greenville and its citizens. Dr. King means to me no limits, no boundaries for all human kind. He was the ultimate figure of spreading God’s love.”
Brenda Bryant-Taylor, who came to watch the parade, said the reason she attended was not only for Dr. King’s vision but also to support her child.
“I look forward to the parade because my child is in it but we also get a chance to celebrate Martin Luther King and everything he fought for,” Bryant-Taylor said.
Delta Mud Rider Kentrell Johnson, who participated in the parade, said he supports the parade by showing respect towards the legacy of Dr. King.
“Martin Luther King’s legacy means freedom to be able to do anything you desire. A legacy which a great man has built on freedom and equality,” Johnson said.
Parade-goer Tarnisha Dye said this parade is something her and her kids look forward to every year.
“For my kids and I, the Martin Luther King parade is day we look forward to because we get a chance to see how everyone comes together and support what he worked hard for. We can a lot of things due to his hard work and dedication,” Dye said.
Families came together to support not only their families in the parade but the legacy of the MLK as well. All different races were out there together to genuinely pay homage to MLK’s legacy.
To end the 100 Black Men of the Mississippi Delta’s Martin Luther King weekend, they hosted their Annual MLK program Monday at Mount Moriah MB Church.
