Earlier this week the city of Statesboro held its annual MLK parade honoring the life and legacy of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There were a lot of supporters and local businesses who participated and gathered to watch the parade outside the Statesboro courthouse on Main Street. 

“Martin Luther King Day to me means pride, dignity, self-awareness, and equality,” said Georgia Parish, a parade attendee. 

Martin Luther King Jr is known for his work during the Civil Movement Union and most notably his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech he gave back in 1963 around the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

“Most of all celebrating King’s day is all about having a dream and bringing people together regardless of the color of your skin. Unity, love, no more hatred, and embrace each other and carry on to live out your dream,” said Tabatha Clements, a parade attendee.

The campaign for a federal holiday in Dr. King’s honor began after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983 and it was first observed three years later on January 20, 1986.

“Dr. King has had a huge impact on everyone’s life and he is probably one of the greatest Americans that ever lived a lot of people would have a much worse life without him,” said Morgan Miles, a parade attendee. 

This is the first year having the parade since COVID since they postponed the parade for the past two years due to the pandemic. It was a huge success with a great turnout to support and honor the legacy of Dr. King.