On Monday, hundreds recognized the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral with a march through Atlanta.
Stephannie Stokes / WABE
Monday marked 50 years since Atlanta said goodbye to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hundreds recognized the anniversary by marching through the city.
Like the 1968 funeral procession that drew tens of thousands, the march Monday started at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
The King family, along with figures like the Rev. Al Sharpton, led the crowd. The marchers were black and white, young and old.
In front of a statue of her father, Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., addresses the crowd at the Georgia state Capitol on Monday. A March for Humanity, marking the 50th anniversary of the civil rights leader’s funeral, commenced at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and concluded at the state Capitol. (Todd Kirkland/Associated Press)
Some came out to recognize King’s role in history. Thirteen-year-old Beau Shell, who is black, said King opened doors for him. He’s already running his own business.
“Without the work of him, I wouldn’t be able to do anything I do today. And I feel like he represented me, so I’m grateful for that,” Beau said.
Others focused on continuing what they considered to be King’s legacy. Signs called for a $15 minimum wage and criminal justice reform.
Jimmy Greene came from Sandy Hook, Connecticut. He lost his daughter in the school shooting there.
“The right of every human being to live and to live freely — that right was taken away from our daughter. That right was taken away from him,” Greene said.
The march ended in front of the new statue of King at the Georgia state Capitol.
There, the scene differed distinctly from 1968. Back then, segregationist Gov. Lester Maddox stationed state troopers around the Capitol. He refused to let mourners approach.
On Monday, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal praised King’s pursuit of equality.
“May the spirit of Dr. King continue to reign in our capital city and in the state of Georgia. May it also reign throughout our great nation.”
