DETROIT – Community members gathered at St Matthew’s St Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Detroit to reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This is the 21st year of the MLK Day Rally and March.
“We are committed to the perpetuation of the actual legacy of Dr. King, who was a struggler, who came out of the depths of the African American community in the south,” said Detroit MLK Planning Committee Abayomi Azikiwe.
Current events were not far from mind.
“There are people that are really trying to divide us with fear and with hatred. We have far more in common than any of us realize,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell.
Many speakers spoke out against the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.
They also talked about the resurgence of organized labor, which Dr. King championed.
“As I have said over and over again, the Civil Rights Movement and the labor movement are inextricably interconnected, intertwined,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “As one movement goes, so does the other. So, it is important that we all carry on the work of Dr. King.”
Organizers hope those in attendance left inspired by the works of Dr. King and will work to build upon his legacy.
“Especially on a day like today, we are remembering he had a dream, but it is not dead with him,” said Reparations Labor Union Anita Belle. “We are still part of his dream, and we can take it beyond where it seems like it’s going into nightmare and take it back to the light.”
The march planned for the event was canceled due to the weather. Instead, after the service, attendees shared a meal together.