KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A crowd of around 50 civilians and city leaders gathered in downtown Kalamazoo to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As a part of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, which also included a series of speeches.
The crowd was led to the park by the Loy Norrix High School drumline, which was then greeted by Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson. Anderson congratulated community members for taking a “day on” instead of a “day off” in honor of the MLK Day of Service.
Guest speakers of the event included Western Michigan University president Edward Montgomery.
“You are gathered here today, and countless others are gathering around the globe, who dream of a better world because of his legacy,” Montgomery said in a speech.
He also used his time to touch on the legacy of local activist and leader Moses Walker, who died last week on January 16th.
“Just as Moses was called to pick up Martin’s torch, so too are we all called to join in, to stand up and speak out for justice and human dignity, and to carry on his legacy,” Montgomery said.
The wreath was laid on Martin’s statue to conclude the ceremony.
The wreath-laying ceremony was only one of several events that were held in the city. Following the ceremony, further events for the holiday were held at the Kalamazoo State Theatre.
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the MLK Day of Service.
