Photos and writing by Gaby Martinez
Thousands of people gather on a beautiful, sunny day in Savannah to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. It has been 57 years since Martin Luther King gave his speech and local civilians still come together to celebrate the revolution that he initiated. For many people, this holiday, and what Martin Luther King represents, means everything to them.
“He means a lot in the sense of education. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have the education that I have, and my children wouldn’t have their education either,” a local watching the parade said. People include their children so the message can be passed down to every generation. This day gives people the opportunity to march and voice their opinions to the world.
“Martin Luther King Day represents a symbol of freedom, a beacon of hope, for this great country we are in, and it lets us know that we can be anything we would like to be.”
Pastor F.E. Thomas of Rehoboth Ministries, Pooler
SCAD students met up at the steps of the SCAD MOA to sketch their own interpretation of the Martin Luther King parade. “It’s a day to remember and continue an important movement for civil rights and non-violence,” said Diana Janikow a sophomore animation student. Martin Luther King Day is just as important to SCAD students as many locals. SCAD students did not take their eyes off of the parade or their sketchbooks. They concentrated on their sketches for this important holiday.
“We are also minorities here. It’s empowering and inspiring,” said Ilisha Sharma, a freshman from India studying graphic design. Many international students do not get to experience a parade, none the less a parade for Martin Luther King. Some do not know who he is. This day and parade/march serves a greater purpose for those who come from all over the world.
