JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of bundled-up onlookers gathered Monday morning to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Jacksonville’s 45th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade.
Local marching bands, dance troupes and floats anchored this year’s procession, highlighting King’s message of unity and equality across the region.
“I love the Martin Luther King parade; I love everything that has to do with what he stood for, and everything is faith behind action. He did something that gave all of us a reason to be out here today, and I am just glad to be out here part of something of this magnitude,” said Lisa Morales, who had a float in Monday’s parade. “His message to me is to be bold in what you believe in, that’s what I teach my kids, and I believe in that, anything that you believe in, be bold, and stand strong in what you want to make a difference in.”
The parade began at 11 a.m. from Lot E at EverBank Stadium, traveled west on Bay Street before turning north on Market Street.
WATCH: Press play above to watch the parade live on News4JAX+
Last year’s parade was postponed to February because of the dangerously cold and icy conditions in Jacksonville. This year’s weather wasn’t as extreme, but it was definitely chilly, with many spectators bundled up.
The parade has been a cornerstone event for more than four decades.
“We try to come out here often, once a year, and celebrate what he tried to do and remember and not have it lost within the next generation,” Brian Walker said.
Ariel Robinson said honoring King’s legacy means a lot because of all he did.
“He stood up for us when nobody else would; he also brought a lot of people together to get the word out about what his message is and continues today, and that’s why we still come out to celebrate him,” Robinson said.
Betty Anthony stressed the importance of not letting that legacy die.
“He walked the walk, so now it’s time for us to walk the walk,” Anthony said. “We have to stand up for all of the good things and all of the bad things that are happening. So, we need to come together.”
Ava Jacques with ALCAM Community Action Motivators said a scholarship was also given away on Monday to a deserving person who wants to attend Edward Waters University.
Following the parade, there will be a full day of events at James Weldon Johnson Park downtown, including a children’s zone, arts and crafts and live entertainment.