MLK Day Intertwines With President's Inauguration

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By Catalina Trivino

Story Created: Jan 20, 2013 at 11:24 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 21, 2013 at 12:32 AM CDT

The inauguration intertwines with Martin Luther King Day, which celebrates the birth of the civil rights leader... and with Montgomery being the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, it makes people in our city feel like they are a part of this historical day.

Between 1954 and 1960, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. started his journey for civil rights, as pastor of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church -- but whether it's coincidence or fate, it also marks a special day in history: the re-election of the first black president of the United States.

On Sunday, the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church held a service to celebrate King's message of hope and brotherhood.

"And among the floats that will be at the inaugural parade of second term President, Barack Hussein Obama will be one honoring the reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King," Said President of Tuskegee University and the church's guest speaker, Gilbert Rochon.

But the inauguration of President Obama on MLK Day is not going unnoticed. It's only the second time in history for the ceremony to fall on the MLK holiday. William Gary knew Dr. King when he was a pastor at the church and he says King would be proud of how far this nation has come.

"I would think that it is one goal that has been fulfilled. That he also... all people are equal in race and color... and that was another step in that direction," Said Gary.

Fifty-three years ago, when King left the Montgomery church, many black Alabamians were fighting for civil rights. Pastor Cromwell Handy says now our state and nation is heading in the right direction -- and even though we've made progress in civil rights, he says there's still a long road ahead.

"I think he's rejoicing today, but I don't know that he saw this dream as it relates to an election to a president who is african american today," Said Pastor of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Cromwell Handy.

2013 is also the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech and church members tell CBS 8  all of these events tie together the real meaning behind the dream Dr. King had for America.

 

 

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