Children holding signs that read: “Equality,” “Peace” and “We are One” made their way down Broadway Street on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
The march was sponsored by the MLK Unity Group, Chico Peace and Justice Center and Trinity United Methodist Church. This annual event has been held in Chico for the past 30 years.
People had many reasons for joining the march but all of them were connected to keeping King’s spirit alive.
Lupe Arim-Law, the youth coordinator at Trinity United Methodist Church, explained one of the focus points of the march.
“The objective is to stay connected and to promote diversity, inclusion, equality,” Arim-Law said.
Arim-Law became interested in the movement because she identifies with any minority group, or anyone, without a voice.
“There is a lot of injustice,” she said. “There is a lot of pain. There is poverty.”
Arim-Law encourages everyone to volunteer and get involved in their community in order to make a difference.
“Get involved in something that you like, that talks to you, and jump in. Don’t wait for an invitation,” Arim-Law said. “This is the global invitation to jump in.”
One of the speakers was able to share his personal experience from King’s time.
Gregory Cheadle, a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from California’s 1st District, shared his reasons for participating in the march.
“I grew up during the race riots,” Cheadle said. “I experienced that. I experienced segregation.”
Chico State students like Da’matha Johnson, a liberal arts major, participated in the march for their own reasons.
“I believe in world peace. I want everyone to stick together,” Johnson said. “I want to love people through the eyes of God, and I believe in peace and harmony, so I’m here.”
The master of ceremonies was Vince Haynie, the executive director of a community coalition called Love Chapmantown. Haynie has been a part of the march for the past 20 years.
“This is for Dr. King! He gave so much,” Haynie said. “He gave his life for equality and for people to come together.”
Laura Hass can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.
