Martin Luther King Day parade promotes unity, equality in Mexia

People of all colors are encouraged to attend and participate in a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, in downtown Mexia, parade coordinator Reginald Conner said. 

Conner said events honoring MLK need to continue to ensure folks learn from the past.

"He lost his life attempting to get all people their rights," he said. 

People have to ensure MLK's death was not in vain. He said that history is likely to repeat itself unless people educate themselves and others.  

King was an American religious leader and civil rights activist from Georgia. He promoted nonviolent tactics to achieve civil rights and spearheaded the movement in the U.S. from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968.

MLK Day is Jan. 16, which coincides with Kings' birthday Jan. 15. 

"If you're not studying, if you're not reading, if you're not being talked to, if you are not being involved, well, then you are going to be lacking," Conner said. 

He said people can't be held accountable for things they do not understand. 

There is a need for unity and equality in Mexia, Conner said. His mother, Ada Conner, first recognized this in 1984. Ada served as Mexia municipal judge and on numerous organizations' boards.

"She was very civically involved in the city and county, and politically involved throughout Texas," Conner said. "I advise people to start getting more involved with civic organizations." 

Everyone can focus on being more civically involved, whether city council or school board. 

MLK Day is a federal holiday so most municipalities will be closed. 

Conner said he doesn't look at it as a day off but as an opportunity that should not be squandered. 

"That's one more reason why we have these events, so the youth can continue to learn and participate, and it allows us to see how others celebrate MLK Day," he said. 

The celebration includes a parade – and program every other year. This year there is only a parade, he said. 

He expects a significant turnout as the weather will be better than in previous years.   

Conner reiterated anyone can participate in any way they would like. People can walk, ride a bicycle, motorcycle, four-wheeler or horse. 

Decorate your mode of transportation and arrive by 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church for the line-up. 

Anyone seeking more information can call Reginald Conner at 903-388-6589, Mary Burns at 254-562-7196, Patrick Nemons at 254-203-3877 or James Wiley at 903-388-5656