Many gather at rally to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s presence during the Civil Rights Movement still remains in the minds of many Boulder residents, even 45 years after King expressed his dream for racial equality.
Despite bitter weather conditions, around 100 people gathered at a mid-day rally held Monday, Jan. 21 outside the Boulder County Court House on Pearl Street. Bundled beneath heavy coats with scarves twisted around their faces, people of all different ages and ethnic backgrounds stood attentively as speeches were made, essays were read and songs of peace were sung.
Phil Weinstein, 48, a Boulder resident, said the rally commemorated the memory of a man who was the epitome of civil justice.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. was a profound symbol for civil rights and for peace in general,” Weinstein said.
The rally gave insight to the work of Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing his notion for equal rights.
Ralph Haywood, 57, a Boulder resident, said the rally was necessary for people to acknowledge the stance King took against racism and how he impacted not just one demographic of people, but all people.
“(King) did a lot -not just for the black race, but for all races,” Haywood said.
In addition to celebrating the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., the rally also gave some perspective into the racism that many people believe to exist today.
“Every one of us has had some experience with race and racism,” said Connie Ge, a 16-year-old student at Fairview High School. “The fact is that racism still exists and it needs to be acknowledged.”
Sebastian George, an 18-year-old student also from Fairview High School, performed as part of an a cappella group at the rally. He said that there exists a belief today that racism is absent, but he feels that is not the case.
“Racism exists even today and it still remains important to stand against it,” George said.
The rally expressed an overall message to embrace the differences of others while recognizing that everyone is still all the same.
“We consist of many wonderful different cultures that make diversity a great thing,” said Dr. Sallye McKee, vice chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement. “But we must remember that we, as a whole, are part of a greater thing, and that is humanity.”
Haywood said he agreed that the prevalent message of the rally was that the character of a person is defined more than just by the color of their skin.
“We need to understand that we are all just one,” Haywood said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Sara Fossum at sara.fossum@thecampuspress.com.
