The dream goes on: Moses Lake march commemorates legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
About 85 to 90 people gathered to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Monday in Moses Lake, walking from McCosh Park to the Moses Lake Civic Center.
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald
Reverend Plasido Lindsey records walkers commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in Moses Lake Monday.
The annual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day moved outside for 2021 and drew about 85 to 90 participants.
The coronavirus outbreak necessitated some changes in the annual Martin Luther King Day celebration in Moses Lake Monday. About 85 to 90 people walked to commemorate King and his legacy.
About 85 to 90 people walked to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Moses Lake Monday.
Reverend Plasido Lindsey delivered a rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, a traditional part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration in Moses Lake Monday.
MOSES LAKE — Between 85 and 90 people came on a sunny, but windy Monday, to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., with a march and the traditional rendition of King’s, “I Have a Dream,” speech on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Charlie Jones, member of the organizing committee, said commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a longstanding tradition in Moses Lake.
“About 40 years now. A long time,” Jones said.
Traditionally, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is honored with an evening program, but the COVID-19 outbreak meant organizers had to look for an alternative. Jones said the idea for a march came from his friend, Louis Logan.
“We definitely want to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive,” said Miranda Bridges, who’s also a member of the organizing committee.
Jones characterized it as a march to highlight King’s peaceful change. Jones’ son, Isaac, said that message should be supported.
“That’s pretty much his (King’s) legacy, is unity and peace,” Isaac Jones said. “We’re all one, we can all get behind coming out for peace.”
“Something worth walking for. Something worth marching for,” said Michelle Counter, who walked with her husband and five of their children.
“I just feel like, I don’t know, we should be out here,” said Teresa Bolden, who walked with her baby.
Daryl Jackson said he’s been a longtime participant in the yearly tradition.
“You’ve got to support your community,” he said, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration showcases Moses Lake’s inclusivity. Currently, Jackson is Moses Lake’s deputy mayor, and he walked with city manager Allison Williams and two Moses Lake City Council members.
Bridges said even though there is a lot of controversy right now, people don’t have to choose that path, and can — and should — choose a different path. She urged people to make a positive impact on the community, and be mindful of injustice.
The marchers walked from McCosh Park, along Fifth Avenue to the Moses Lake Civic Center, on South Balsam Street, where Rev. Plasido Lindsey delivered a rousing rendition of King’s August 1963 speech in Washington, D.C. The speech is recited every year during the program, and this year was followed by Logan leading the crowd singing, “We Shall Overcome.”
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at [email protected].
