MACON, Ga. — On Tuesday, Macon came together to honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with events around town.
One of them was the annual MLK march that started in four locations- Booker T. Washington Community Center, Memorial Gym, Rosa Jackson Recreation Center and Frank Johnson Recreation Center.
All of the marches eventually converged on the Macon-Bibb Government Center.
At Rosa Jackson Recreation Center, songs and prayers kicked off the march. In the crowd was 66-year-old Lucious Huff.
"Well this old body seen the integration in 1968," Huff said.
To him, marching has always been personal.
"I figured it's my duty and my privilege to march on his birthday because he did something, it had to be a blessing," Huff said.
The crowd marched down Maynard Street, sharing smiles with neighbors they passed.
At Macon City Hall, Dorothy Ridley — who is on the executive board for the Macon NAACP — says they are emphasizing civic action and getting people engaged in politics at the event as well.
"We're doing voter registration, trying to get people registered. You know, 2024 is a big election, starting in March," Ridley said.
She said she doesn't care who you vote for, but just that you do.
"I want people to know that people died for the right to vote and to be equal. Dr. King you know, he was- we celebrate him, his legacy today," she said.
When the four marches met at city hall, they gathered with other groups and residents downtown to hear Mayor Lester Miller share a message about taking care of each other and continuing Dr. King's work.
Deasia Mosley was there with her family to celebrate Dr. King, but also the work of her great-grandfather.
"So I wanted to walk out here to just support him. He actually did walk with Martin Luther King when they did go to Washington," she said.
Her great-grandfather, Thomas Mosley, was part of the Montford Point Marines- one of the first groups of African American men to serve in the Marines.
She hopes to continue his legacy by getting involved with the community.
"It's definitely important for us to come together not just one day for MLK but all through the year," she said.
The Tubman African American Museum also hosted a breakfast sponsored by the MLK Breakfast Committee that morning.
At Rosa Parks Square, Macon Black Culture sponsored a block party with music, food, and bounce houses for children.
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