Choctaw Martin Luther King Jr. parade

Choctaw Chief kicks off MLK festivities

By Charlotte A. GrahamAnderson said it’s an honor to participate in the parade and spend time with the citizens of Laurel and other cities in the area.

“We understand the struggle Dr. King went through,” said Anderson. “His struggles were the same struggles our tribe went through.”

Anderson said the MBCI had to struggle with the federal government for certain rights, just as African Americans did.

Anderson said “it’s people like Dr. Martin Luther King and Chief Phillip Martin” who have made it possible to enjoy some of the privileges they are enjoying today.

“The (Civil Rights) march may have ended in 1963, but the walk continues,” said Anderson. “The walk continues with you and me.”

Anderson urged those in attendance to keep King’s dream alive. She noted that it was the slain civil rights leader’s dream that all people would be seen by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin.”Comment:  For more on King, see Bin Laden, Geronimo, and King and Sanitizing Martin Luther King Jr..

Below:  "Members of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee carry the official banner as they lead parade participants through the streets of Downtown Laurel Saturday."