MOBILE, Ala.(WPMI) - Thousands across the city of Mobile gathered to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. "There's always an excitement when you're getting ready to take off," said veteran marcher Roosevelt Lee.
Hundreds packed downtown Mobile to march to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy. They sang and chanted down Martin Luther King Drive. For Lee, 70, the march brought back tough memories.
"I've been marching ever since 1964," Lee said. "It means that we have come a long way from the days of Jim Crow. We've come a long ways from the time where there were only certain places that you could go."
Monday marked the Mobile native's 12th year participating in the annual People United to Advance the Dream March. He said the fact that President Barack Obama's inauguration fell on Martin Luther King Day was not a coincidence but confirmation the struggle for equality paid off.
"We're having a double fold anniversary. It's something to be proud of, to admire, and to instill and push to our people," said Lee.
Participants said they will continue to follow the footsteps of the previous civil rights activist and hope to to continue making progress for peace, unity, and equality for all Americans.
The march ended with a rally where organizers honored the following Dr. MLK Award Recipients:
Dr. MLK Humanitarian- Colonel David Wilson Reaney
Dr. MLK Community Services- Dr. Barry Lee Booth
Dr. MLK Educational- Dr. Reginald Crenshaw
Dr. MLK Health & Human Services- Rev. Charles White
