CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The famous "I Have A Dream" speech delivered by Martin Luther King in 1963 was an address from a civil rights activist whose message is embedded in the hearts and minds of many Americans.
“That dream that Martin Luther King pertains to all us that believe in that dream to have freedom of speech, freedom of right to vote,” said Gracie Lopez, a Rio Hondo resident.
“Everyone is supposed to be treated equally and this is our hope and prayer that one day everyone will be treated equally,” said Marta Stovall, chairperson for MLK March in Beeville.
Others say that some still need to be reminded about King's message of non-violent and peaceful changes in our society.
“I think some of us have to be educated about it," said Corpus Christi resident Tommy Garza. "The words he said, we need to come together and just be strong but what’s going on in the capitol ... it’s really sad.”
In the midst of current events, Stovall says the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases forced them to make a difficult decision.
“It's pretty rough here in Beeville. so we decided the best thing was to cancel this year,” she said.
Marching every year from the courthouse to the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Stovall says she recognizes the division in the country and says it goes against what King stood for.
“He would be very hurt and disappointed if all the work and stuff that he did to get us to a certain place and then this type of thing happens,” said Stovall.
Garza says he likes to think Dr. King's inspiring words are there to remind the American people of a peaceful world.
“Think about what he said, think about his words, but hopefully we’ll get through this,” he said.
For information on today's MLK events, click here.
