Each year people around the county celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the days leading up to and including our nation’s annual holiday. The civil rights leader’s life of service was memorialized last Wednesday in a candlelight vigil at North Miami’s MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Plaza, 770 NE 125 Street.
“As you know, if it weren’t for Dr. King there wouldn’t have been an Andre Pierre and I don’t think that we would have seen a President Obama either,” said Andre Pierre, mayor of North Miami. “It is very important for us to recognize what Dr. King contributed to our communities.”
Students from neighborhood schools including North Miami Middle, Morning High and Linda Lentin K-8 Center Elementary School were in attendance to display their talents in observance of King’s dream.
“We are all here for one purpose and that is to celebrate the life of a great man,” said Marsha White, 43, North Miami resident. “I brought my sons to remember the King’s life and the sacrifices he made for all of us. I think King’s dream has been realized to an extent but we still have a long way to go.”
The program also shared the history of how the King Holiday became law. It was not an easy task. Eventually is was signed into law in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan and is observed on the third Monday in January of each year. The holiday was recognized for the first time three years later on January 20, 1986.
“Everyone should take time out this King season to recognize what he has done for our country,” said Percy Miller, North Miami resident. “We as Black people are forever in debt to Dr. King. He broke all types of barriers and made it possible for Blacks and whites to sit here and enjoy a program together like we are doing today.”
By Randy Grice
rgrice@miamitimesonline.com
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