Community Corner
Residents March to Keep MLK's Message Alive
Area residents gather for a march on Milford's Main Street to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
“We need to help America live up to its promise that all men are created equal,” urged special guest speaker, Bob Bruttell, at Monday’s March on Main Street which honored the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., "It's worth the effort."
Bruttell is professor of religious studies at University of Detroit Mercy.
Despite temperatures in the teens, area residents turned out in the hundreds to show their support and continued commitment to the values of peace and non-violence as preached by King.
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The march began at the Prospect Hill Shopping Center in Milford, and was preceded by a van with a mobile sound system that played the audio of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech as it rolled down Main Street. Marchers proudly displayed homemade banners and signs encouraging peace and understanding.
Milford High School senior and German foreign exchange student Esther Ilyas, 17, attended the march as a member of the Milford High School Diversity Club.
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“I wanted to get outside of what I know, and experience a new culture. I want to learn tolerance," Ilyas said, explaining her reason for coming to the United States.
Putting King’s message into practice was one of the main themes of the day’s events.
“We need to model this spirit of service ourselves,” said Isaac Perry, chairman of the Huron Valley Martin Luther King Day committee. “We need to dedicate ourselves to finding a solution to the challenges we still face in modern times.” This is Perry's sixth year organizing the event.
Participants marched nearly a mile to Central Park, where third-graders from Milford's Johnson Elementary School recited the “I Have a Dream” speech. That was followed by Bruttell’s speech, which emphasized the importance of today’s youth in the ongoing efforts to make King's dream a reality.
“This is a really important holiday and we want to put that in our children’s minds memorably,” he said. “These children are our hope.”
Bruttell talked about bullying in schools today and the suffering that is still occurring as a result of inequality. He reminded the crowd that it is not enough to just celebrate the advances made during King’s life, but that we must also remain diligent in actively advancing equality in our own lives.
Once the Central Park festivities were over, participants were encouraged to backtrack the March route and appreciate the art contest entry pieces that were displayed in various storefronts. All ages were encouraged to submit pieces of any artistic medium that explored the question, “How does the MLK Day holiday inspire you?"
“Dr. King’s message of service is still so important today. You don’t need anything special to serve,” said Milford resident Lori Pas. “All you need is a heart full of grace.”
If you’re interested in putting Dr. King’s message into practice consider joining the Huron Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Committee for volunteer opportunities.
