Baltimore Honors Martin Luther King Jr. With Annual Parade
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Thousands of people took to the streets of downtown Baltimore Monday for the city's annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade.
Monique Griego has more.
Through music and in dance, the city of Baltimore celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"It gives me a feeling of unity and of peace and a feeling of togetherness," said Mildred Ward.
The civil rights leader's birthday still draws a crowd. Thousands lined the streets of downtown.
"Dr. King stood for moving communities forward, everybody trying to achieve a higher goal and something bigger than themselves," said Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld.
As beats from the marching band signaled the event was in full swing, paradegoers reflected on what brought them there.
"A lot of us are starting to wake up and see that the dream is starting to come into fruition," said George Anderson.
Some see today as a chance to step up and support his message of equality.
Because of the outstanding talent that performs in the parade every year, people are making it a tradition to come out.
"Ever since I moved to Baltimore, we come out, have coffee at City Cafe [and] come out to enjoy the parade," said Kate Titford.
So with music moving their bodies and Dr. King in their heart, not even a cold Baltimore day would keep this crowd from coming out to honor his accomplishments.
"It's a little brisk out, but the sun's out. You can feel the energy of the people. It's a great day," said Anderson.
Organizers estimated more than 30,000 people attended the event.
Baltimore Colts legend Lenny Moore was the grand marshal for the parade.
