Over a few decades ago, my great-grandfather walked with Martin Luther King Jr. I do not know if he met him, but I do know he attended one of his organized marches during the Civil Rights Movement. My grandpa told me this when I interviewed him a few years ago. Whether in person or in spirit, my great-grandfather walked with Martin Luther King Jr. when he was still alive. I’ve admired Martin Luther King Jr. since I was young. I’ve always appreciated his strength and his loving nature toward everyone. Despite the challenges he faced, he desired a merciful world. He had a dream that was so beautiful, and he had the strength to face adversity with kindness. As I grew older, I admired his loving self and his plans for a better world.
I was amazed that St. Petersburg celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a parade and I was proud to take part in it. I was honored that it was one of the largest and longest-running Martin Luther King Jr. parades in the country, according to Fox News. I thought it was an exciting and respectful way to celebrate his legacy.
So, I signed up to join the parade in his honor with the University of South Florida. We ate snacks to give us energy for the parade and organized the positions for each club and other volunteers. I got a Martin Luther King Jr. shirt that had one of his most inspirational quotes printed on it.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’”- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I believe in this mindset because I always wanted to help people and add my own value to life. It is a question I always have swarming in my head. The quote suited the volunteers helping with the parade.
Once we were ready, we got into position for the parade before it started. All the volunteers received branded towels and clappers with green and gold beads for our university’s colors. We eventually got into position at 11:00 p.m., but we had to wait for the parade to start at 12:00 p.m. We were #59 out of over 80 sections in the parade. As we waited for the parade to start, my friends and I played some games to pass the time. My friends decorated our hair with beads to add a little flair for our turn. It was relaxing to interact with the other volunteers and dance to the music before the parade began. Finally, we were ready to march and display our banners to the crowd.
As we marched, I felt exhilarated. I found myself remembering that child-like feeling of jumping up and down at Mardi Gras and desperately grabbing for a pair of beads in your hand. The excitement of the floats, the trumpets, the confetti, and the beautiful colors enveloped my senses. Everyone became excited to take in this moment. It was a magical and personal moment among hundreds of people. I took my stride as I held the flowing banner in front of the other volunteers.
I believe we should continue to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy as a lively festival. It captures the spirit of his wishes in a dream where everyone can love each other. Despite the exhaustion, I was thankful to share a wonderful experience with them. I was happy to make new memories with my friends while tributing an inspirational man. My great-grandfather walked with Martin Luther King Jr.; now, I walk for him.