Despite 30-degree temperatures and biting wind, universities, corporations and local groups attended the 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. March on Jan. 20. Among the thousands of people there, Trinity University brought a cohort of 34 students, faculty, staff and their families.
The march was about an hour and a half, giving fellow marchers plenty of time to get to know each other. Emma Power, senior international studies, political science and Spanish triple-major, enjoyed meeting and talking to new people.
“I really like that we all get together as a community to kind of honor this man’s life and what he’s done to bring us all together as a country,” Power said. “You’re marching for three miles, you get to talk with people and just kind of remember that you know, not too long ago, we were divided. Still are.”
The 2024 MLK March was canceled due to icy roads, but that wasn’t an issue this year. However, weather conditions did decrease the turnout, as there were an estimated 100,000 people in attendance at the march on Monday, a 33% decrease from 2023. At a press conference on Jan. 16, MLK commission chair Dwayne Robinson iterated that the Alamodome was available for festivities.
“If it’s just cold, we’re marching,” Robinson said.
Monday was the first time Jessica Montenegro, co-director of the student inclusion and belonging office, could participate in the march since joining Trinity a year ago. Montenegro’s biggest concern during the planning process was weather.
“We made sure we had hand warmers and beanies because we knew it was going to be cold. This was the biggest concern, and I’m glad that we’re able to overcome that challenge.”
Trinity lined up at 9 a.m. on the MLK Freedom bridge and walked 2.5 miles to conclude in Pittman-Sullivan park. Once there, participants could enjoy food from local vendors, multicultural performances and interact with informational booths.
Residents and local community members did their part to get involved with the march even if they couldn’t participate physically. Some groups passed out water bottles or prepared coffee and hot chocolate. People danced and played excerpts from King’s speeches to keep morale up.
Some participants and onlookers have come to the march for many years. Kelly Carlisle, English professor, has been to the march before and expressed her reason to march.
“It’s just a wonderful celebration and I love that Trinity has a group that goes. This year it seemed especially important to be here and also good self care,” Carlisle said. “The more I thought about staying at home, even though it was freezing, I was like, I have to come.”
While the San Antonio march is the largest in the nation, it’s only one of several opportunities to honor King’s legacy. Trinity is hosting the Martin Luther King commemorative lecture on Thursday, Jan. 23.
Marching is one option for people but there are different avenues people can take. Montenegro was Trinity’s march marshall and emphasized the importance of daily routines.
“It’s great to honor Dr. King on MLK Day, but it’s important for us to remember that it’s not a one day thing. It’s something that we need to continue. To honor his legacy every day,” Montenegro said.