Every year on the third Monday of January, people all across the nation celebrate the contribution that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr had in the non-violent civil rights movement since the day was made into a federal holiday in King’s honor in 1986. This is a day to commemorate the person who lead liberation movements and for people to learn about the power of unconditional love as a way to fight injustice and diffuse violent disputes.

This year, Tampa held the 28th annual City of Tampa Martin Luther King Day parade. Our fellow Yellow Jackets Marching Band, Sting, Cheerleaders, Student Government and Blake Alumni marched along side many others in this historical parade.

“The parade means to me as a day to celebrate everything Mr. King stood and fought for. I see it as a day to reflect on our country and see our progress as to what has been and as to what it is now,” says cheerleader Courtney Brown.

Freshman Abigail Roach also realizes the importance of his contributions to our world. “Martin Luther King has really helped this society grow and the world wouldn’t be the same without him.”

It is important to celebrate this day because it represents someone who was willing to fight for the rights of African Americans to live freely in America. It celebrates a person who was willing to risk everything to earn the rights of those like him. Martin Luther King Day is an important day and the parade is just as important.