Students 'Walk Together' to honor MLK's legacy

The frigid temperatures and icy streets did not prevent a record number of students and their families from participating in the 25th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Rally and March on Monday, Jan. 20. The annual event was organized by a diverse group of area youth and held in conjunction with the national recognition of King's birthday. The event was intended to celebrate his legacy and the mission of the event's planning committee.

This year’s theme: “Walk Together.”

Azcia Fleming, Lincoln High School senior and planning committee member, conjured the memory of Leola Bullock, the late Lincoln civil rights activist, when she addressed the crowd: "I 'walk' honoring Dr. Leola Bullock’s desire for youth like me, Azcia Fleming, to not only honor, but to be inspired, and to be educated about the 'walk' of King and those who followed him, and take the reigns of a movement and step into the light as leaders."

The day’s events began in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ballroom with a pre-rally celebration. That was followed by a "Call to Action" program and the "Unifying March" at approximately noon through the streets of downtown Lincoln.

Southwest High School journalism students Thursey Cook, Milana Done' and McKenna Deriese, along with their sponsor, Brandi Benson, were awarded the Community Contributor Award. The award is based on the rally's misson: “…promotion of the life and dreams of the late Rev. Dr. King Jr. through positive youth action in the community."


Published: January 21, 2020, Updated: January 21, 2020