NEWS EDITOR – ASHTON JEFFERS
ORIGINALLY PRINTED ON FEB 2, 2023
On January 16, 2023, an estimated 300,000 individuals took part in a long-held San Antonio tradition: the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March. The MLK March has been an important annual tradition in the San Antonio community. The most recent MLK March was especially important, with this year being the first march to occur since the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years later, the march has persisted, bringing individuals all over Texas together for the event, which promoted a sense of connectivity and support amongst the community. Organized by the San Antonio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, the march is the largest of its kind nationally, establishing its importance in San Antonio. In 1991, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was officially recognized by the state of Texas, cementing MLK Day as a poignant day of remembrance within Texas.
St. Mary’s University participated in the march with the Office of Community Engagement, sponsoring students and providing transportation to and from the MLK March. This opportunity allowed students from all majors and classifications to attend.
The day of the march, On the morning of January 16, a group of students, faculty and staff were eagerly discussing the march over a quick breakfast: breakfast tacos and fruit provided by the Office of Community Engagement. Groups of students came wearing St. Mary’s apparel and gear. Friends, student organization members and faculty joined them to celebrate the work of MLK and his mission. Many of the students attending had never been to a march like this before.
Before the bus departed for the march, Father Jim Tobin blessed the participants. The march began at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy where residents from San Antonio gathered, lined up for the march, and engaged in other events such as singing, dancing, or worship services, before rejoining their groups. Each person marched to represent strong held values and causes. Members of St. Mary’s carried signs identifying their institution as well as banners of Martin Luther King Jr. and the desire for the freedom he and other like-minded activists fought for. Attendants from St. Mary’s spent their early morning engaging with other schools and nonprofit groups lined up in preparation for the march. These groups handed out informational items and gifts to promote their message or cause, allowing individuals to find like-minded people to march alongside. Groups, such as Friends Meeting of San Antonio and Mehr Foundation, a Persian cultural group in San Antonio, marched for the desire and pursuit of freedom for all.
The march was over three miles long, ending in Pittman-Sullivan Park, where the festivities continued. Vendors set up booths with giveaways, raffles, and information about each organization for visitors interested in learning more. A stage, past the parking lot, had live performances from both singers and speakers. Each contributed unique ways to memorialize and celebrate the legacy of MLK in San Antonio. It was an excellent experience for those in attendance after years of quarantine, coming out to stand for freedom and represent the mission of St. Mary’s.Theresa Canales, a new addition to St. Mary’s Office of Community Engagement, stated, “… [St. Mary’s.] has done the MLK March before, but not recently. This is the first event for the Office of Community Engagement in 2023.” Canales expressed excitement as this is one of the first events in the new year for students, faculty and staff to participate in, starting the new semester on the right foot. It’s clear that the MLK March was a good introduction for those on campus, both old and new. This event informed participants how to get involved on campus through the Office of Community Engagement.