TYLER, Texas — Despite the chilly weather, the Texas African American Museum embraced the spirit of unity as they hosted their inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Tyler on Saturday morning.
Marching down the street, several East Texans took in part to show their support in the community with this local event.
"We've always had the MLK march, but this is the first parade where the community is coming together, law enforcement, organizations, sororities, individual groups. We're all coming together to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s holiday," Texas African American Museum executive Director Gloria Washington said.
The significance of this parade deeply resonates with the community of East Texas.
"It lets us know that the things our forefathers and ancestors did, not only mean something to us, but it also means something to the community, allowing it to happen," parade participant Khadijah Anderson said.
While some might not be familiar with Dr. King's legacy, everyone can take the time to learn his lasting impact he made on history.
"The significance is remembering what Dr. King stood for, his dream and what he put in place for we, African Americans, and other races of individuals to live by, to work by," Washington said.
Washington hopes to see this new tradition grow within the coming years and encourages the community to be involved.