Oklahomans Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Across Metro

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Monday is Martin Luther King Day and celebrations are happening across the country, including in Oklahoma.

Dozens turned out for the Silent March Monday morning. It started at the Freedom Center on Martin Luther King Avenue and ended at the Oklahoma History Center

Thousands are also expected to turn out to honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at a parade in downtown Oklahoma City, which is reportedly one of Oklahoma's largest parades.

Organizers say despite the progress made since King's life, there's still much more to accomplish.

"We have a black president, but we still have unemployment is higher than ever. It's double our population, poverty is still alive and well, racism and discrimination and prejudiceness is still alive," said Garland Pruitt, MLK Day event organizer.

List of Events Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.:

Jan. 18 11 a.m. The annual celebration of the life and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will kick off with the annual MLK Day Commemorative Parade in Tulsa, with this year's theme "Dream It, Plan It: Yes, We Can!"
Location: Corner of Pine and Greenwood.

Jan. 18 5:30 p.m. Civil rights activist and former U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume will hold a press conference. He is the featured speaker for Cameron University's Martin Luther King Day celebration.

Location: Cameron University, Shepler Center, Centennial Room, 2800 W. Gore Blvd., Lawton
For more info contact: Janet Williams, 580-581-2211, janwilli@cameron.edu

Jan. 18 2:00 p.m. The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, reportedly one of Oklahoma City's largest begins. It commences at The Broadway Circle and North Broadway and proceed south on Broadway to 4th Street. It then angles over to E. K. Gaylord Blvd and continues south to Sheridan Avenue. It then turns left on Sheridan and proceeds east and terminates at Sheridan and Stiles Avenue.

Jan. 18 9:00 a.m. A program will take place at The Freedom Center, 2609 North Martin Luther King Blvd, Oklahoma City. Rebecca Ross is guest speaker.
After the program, A Silent March from The Freedom Center on Martin Luther King Avenue down to Northeast 23rd Street and west on NE 23rd Street to the Oklahoma History Center.

Jan. 18 11:00 a.m. The National Bell Ringing Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ceremony begins at the Oklahoma History Center. The Ringing of the Bell is performed by Governor Brad Henry.

Jan. 18 12:15 p.m. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Program, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, NW 7th & Robinson. The keynote speaker will be Reverend Anthony Walker, Pastor, St. John CME Church, Spencer, OK.

Jan. 19 7 p.m. The Oklahoma City University Multicultural Student Affairs Department will present a program in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring a keynote address by Oklahoma City Public School Board chairwoman Angela Monson.
Location: Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel, N.W. 23 Street near Blackwelder Avenue.
For more info contact: Rod Jones, 405-208-5347 or rod.jones@okcu.edu.