LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Monday is set aside to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Junior who is one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders.
A parade took place Monday morning through downtown Las Vegas. This is the 40th year for the annual parade. “Living the Dream, Setting new Standards,” is this year’s theme.
The parade started at 10 a.m. at Fourth Street and Gass Avenue and traveled for several blocks along Fourth to Ogden Avenue where it ended.
The annual event brings people from all walks of life together.
“A multitude of facets of different faces, races and creeds, religions and beliefs. Honestly, it’s just beautiful,” said Sylvester Obafunwa, vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Las Vegas chapter.
The North Las Vegas Police Department Honor Guard was selected to lead the parade this year. And there were the usual floats, bands, and civic groups represented. Duana Malone and Shaundell Newsome were the grand marshals.
Obafunwa wants people to remember an important aspect of the day.
“There are some acts of the voting rights that should be considered to make sure that never hinders our ability to exercise our right to do what we need to do,” he said.
While this may be a day off of work for some people, Las Vegas leaders say it is a time to reflect on the journey of racial equality in America and in Las Vegas.
“A day to recognize all those ambassadors who fought for us, that bled for us, that died for us in order to be here and have the freedoms we have today. It’s not just about the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, it’s also about all the other people who worked alongside him to lead that charge to get us here today,” said Las Vegas City Councilman Cedric Crear.
“I think he would definitely say this is the most beautiful sight to see here in Las Vegas,” Obafunwa said.
There are other events taking place around the city to honor King Week.
