LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) — In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the Longview community gathered to sing and march together.
The events included jazz concerts, parades and an interfaith service held at Mt. Olive Church. Locals had the opportunity to hear a MLK message from J.T. Harris, music from the Longview chapter of the gospel music workshop of America and more than 15 pastors from several churches in East Texas attended.
Longview lifelong resident, Mendel Stoker believes it’s important to reflect on the past while honoring MLK day. Each year, Stoker attends Longview events due to his experiences with segregation while growing up.
Stoker started school back in 1964 and wasn’t allowed to go to school with white students. “I had went to a black school. I loved it, but that’s the way it was back in 1964, I lived some of it,” Stoker said.
The City of Longview and the MLK Planning Committee put together the MLK day festivities with the intent to spread awareness regarding the life and legacy of MLK and to celebrate as a community.
Attendees feel grateful to be able to live in a city that doesn’t forget the life and legacy of MLK. “To celebrate a black man that was in the United States fighting for civil rights, I think that’s great that we can have that,” Stoker said.
“I just think people should know that it’s so important for us to continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King,” Director of Community Services for Longview, Dietrich Johnson said.
Longview continues to host these events each year to keep advancing civil rights, promote social justice and to be an inspiration for future generations.
