MLK March Draws Thousands

January 20, 2009 · Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "We have all come to this hollowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now." 

"The fierce urgency of now:" it’s a verse of Dr. King’s quoted often by Barack Obama in his run to become the nation’s 44th President.  As the words of King bellowed from speakers outside San Antonio’s Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, the thousands marching past were commemorating a fallen hero and getting ready to welcome a new leader.  It’s a day Larry Evans thought he’d never see. 

"And I can remember when they had colored water fountains and white water fountains, and now to see this big change – oh man it’s remarkable – something I’ve never seem before in my life – I thought I’d never see," said Evans.

For Allison Wilson, Obama's inauguration is the culmination of Dr. King’s dream. 

"It’s a special day – it’s the first day that the nation has recognized that a minority is a fit man  - just like any other man to be the commander-in-chief of the most powerful nation. It means, it means everything.  Even if he doesn’t do another thing he’s already done a whole lot," said Wilson.

Valerie Holmes brought her two sons to march with her. She says King’s sacrifices and Obama’s election victory represent a country that finally embraces equality.

"I think it’s so important for America to stand on what our constitution stands for and that’s equal justice for everyone, that everyone has been created equal, and on this day we know that we’ve evolved to another level," said Holmes.

San Antonio’s MLK march is once again being touted as the largest in the nation, but on this day the sun was brighter, the smiles were bigger and hope was abundant.