Mark your calendar: MLK bridge march returns, scheduled for Jan. 17

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The holiday season has passed and it's time to get back to business.

Yet, the first holiday of 2022 is coming quickly.

It's Jan. 17, a Monday, when the city officially will celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. It's now one of two holidays recognized by the city of Abilene that focuses on Black history. The other is Juneteenth, on June 19.

The word already is being spread about the annual MLK bridge march, which did not happen a year ago due to a spikes in COVID-19 cases. However, Abilenians met at the Abilene Convention Center parking lot, where vehicles were decorated and/or windows filled with inspirational slogans or images of King.

Stephanie Ellison adds "I have a dream" beside the stencil of Martin Luther King Jr. on the rear window of a vehicle Jan. 18. The MLK Day parade was switched to a procession of automobiles due to coronavirus concerns a year ago but is back on.
Stephanie Ellison adds "I have a dream" beside the stencil of Martin Luther King Jr. on the rear window of a vehicle Jan. 18. The MLK Day parade was switched to a procession of automobiles due to coronavirus concerns a year ago but is back on.

More: MLK bridge march won't happen but civil rights leader will be celebrated Monday in Abilene

More: MLK Day theme: Do not be content, it's time to act

Participants then drove over the MLK Memorial Bridge, meeting at Stevenson Park to hear three primary speakers - a Black minister, a Black mayor and a Black police chief.

The march is back this year, with folks encouraged to meet at 1:15 p.m. at the former Woodson school, then march across the bridge and back.

Organizer again is Michael T. Royals, son of longtime community activities Claudie C. Royal. March participation has grown sizable, though Royals has noted the lack of attendance by a wider range of city leaders, both elected and hired, and the absence of many ministers.

The theme this year is "Let's Walk Together."

King is quoted on a flyer: "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving."

The event is open to all, an opportunity to display unity in the community.

A 75-degree day as we had in 2021 can't be promised but spending 1-2 hours employing the spirit of diversity is worth everyone's time.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Mark your calendar: MLK bridge march returns, scheduled for Jan. 17