Hundreds attend MLK Parade in Downtown

January 18,2016

By Andrea Ahles

With marching bands, Girl Scout troops and school cadet corps, hundreds of North Texans celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.

“It’s important to remind us of the work Dr. King did to bring equality for all people and to focus on the things that unite us and not divide us,” said Roderick Miles, chairman of Fort Worth’s annual MLK Day parade.

The parade, which traveled along Houston Street in downtown Fort Worth, culminated in a rally in Sundance Square, where King’s civil rights accomplishments were remembered on the 30th anniversary of the federal holiday in his honor.

MONDAY MARKED THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDERAL HOLIDAY HONORING THE SLAIN CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER.

Several Fort Worth residents shared their thoughts on the holiday and why they brought their families downtown for the parade and rally.

“We’re trying to teach them that we’re celebrating their independence. Of course, they want to see the bands and get candy. It’s important to come together as a culture.” — Sharon Thompson, who attended the parade with her mom, children and grandchildren.

“Six years straight we’ve made it. I make sure they know the day is put aside for this. … They take it seriously. We usually watch the DVD Our Friend, Martin the day before we come to the parade.” — Joe Walker Jr., who watched parade with his wife and four children.

“It’s important to celebrate the people that history does recognize from the black community. … It’s important to realize the progress we’ve made but that we still have a lot of room to improve.” — TCU student Shontel Woodard

“It’s my first time at the Fort Worth [parade] and it’s not as crowded as the one in Dallas, which is actually a good thing. … You have to remember where you came from and the struggles we had.” — Gary Daniels, who attended with Woodard