MLK Parade

Written by: ^Northernstar*, Youth Director

 

Every year, Baltimore City has its traditional parade on Martin Luther King Blvd for King’s birthday. On January 18, 2010, I chose to attend the festivities held, including the unity of African-Americans, joyous music from marching bands, radio stations, floats transporting Black pageant winners, Hip-Hop dancers, churches, BG&E, & many more!

 

It was apparent the youth was motivated to achieve something in life much greater than themselves.

 

It’s been many years since I’ve actually attended one of the parades, so I decided to drag my little sister with me (who has never been to a MLK parade). The festivities began exactly at 12, but we arrived a few minutes later while barricades blocked half of Downtown Baltimore, in honor of the “King”. The traffic was so action-packed; we watched the parade from the Franklin Street/Route 40 Bridge, as many others joined us with their young children bouncing around while the bombastic rhythms played in their ears. Although it was dangerous standing on the bridge while ongoing traffic passed by… it was refreshing to see my Black culture do whatever it takes to witness the “birth” of one of the most historical leaders in our community.

 

As Conan from R&B/ Hip-Hop station 92Q announced the bands, who did 8-count dances & beat to their drums, it was apparent the youth was motivated to achieve something in life much greater than themselves. “This group right here has won over fifty competitions in their marching band career, and they have traveled around the world. Their visits include New York, Virginia, Atlanta, Alabama, New Orleans, and they’ve just got back home this morning from Florida. Ladies & Gentleman, give it up for the Edmondson Village West Side Steppers”, he said as the charismatic group marched towards the crowd in their blue, white & silver ensembles, shaking EVERY bone & inch of their bodies. Each member was shaped differently, and that was beautiful to see… and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves while performing!

 

Although it was dangerous standing on the bridge while ongoing traffic passed by… it was refreshing to see
my Black culture do whatever it takes to witness the “birth” of one of the most historical leaders in our
community.

 

In honor of King’s religion, Providence Baptist Church paid their respects by transporting in a bus through the crowd. Baltimore City Department of Public Works also represented Dr. King’s wish for sanitation & the parade closed out with performances by the “Baltimore West Siders” dressed in red & white, and “Full Motion” who has 2000 public service hours to their credit, and has given back to the community through fundraising.

 

The all-time low of the parade was when many of the youngsters instigated a fight, causing one girl to be horribly beaten; besides that incident… it was an exciting parade!

 

 

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