Thousands gathered in Seattle to honor Dr. King, emphasizing his enduring message and urging action against injustice.
SEATTLE — Thousands of people gathered Monday in Seattle to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., continuing a local tradition that has endured for more than four decades.
The day began with a rally at Garfield High School, where students, families and community leaders filled the gymnasium for music, speeches and reflection. By midday, the crowd poured into the streets for the annual march through downtown Seattle, ending at the Federal Building.
Organizers say the event, now in its 43rd year, remains one of the largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations on the West Coast.
Speakers at the morning rally emphasized that King’s message remains urgent and unfinished.
“What I know is that if King was alive today he would be in Minneapolis standing with the people against ICE,” said the Reverend Dr. Kelly Brown, a senior pastor at a local church in Seattle.
Brown urged the audience to see the holiday as more than a day of remembrance.
“Where do we go from here? It’s time to move, it’s time to resist, it’s time to have peace but we can’t have peace with a boot on our neck so it’s time to move the boot,” she said.
For longtime participants, the march is both a celebration and a recommitment.
“I was at the first MLK march,” said Mary Flowers, who spoke at Monday’s rally and has watched the event grow over the years.
Once the program at Garfield High School concluded, the crowd moved outside and began the walk toward downtown, chanting and singing along the route.
“What do we want justice, when do we want it now,” marchers called out as drums echoed through the streets.
For some, the annual march is deeply personal.
“This march is so important this is one of the marches that helped to make MLK Day a holiday,” said Jake, a member of Peoples Echo, a community group that has participated in the event for decades. “I’m so grateful to have this as a consistent rally and a consistent march, getting all of our people out here together and standing up for what we believe in… it’s good stuff.”
As the crowd grew, demonstrators raised signs and voices in support of immigrants, civil rights and social justice.
“ICE out of Seattle now!” some chanted.
Faith leaders and activists said the gathering reflected the values King championed — and the challenges they believe still remain.
“We’ve got to raise up the voice of love and peace and harmony and community, in face of a regime that chooses to make people suffer and murder them and cause harm,” said Catherine Ruha of University Unitarian Church.
Others stressed that the meaning of the day lies in continued engagement.
“This is not a day off, this is a day on to see all the people that can make something happen in our community over and over again. We need each other. It’s great to be out and see it,” one marcher said.
The demonstrations will continue Tuesday, with another significant turnout for Seattle’s annual Women’s March expected.
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