'It is amazing': Tulsa celebrates annual MLK Day Parade
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — TULSA, Okla. (KTUL)— Thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Tulsa on Monday for the 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Parade.
NewsChannel 8 was the broadcast partner for the parade moderated by our own John Hayes, as well as members of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Society, Rebecca Marks-Jimerson and Leon Rollerson.
“It is amazing to see all these people of Tulsa coming out to celebrate Dr. King and his dream,” said NewsChannel 8 News Director Le’Ondre Harris.
Rollerson and Marks-Jimerson said this year’s parade included close to 200 entries, and at least 30 new organizations. Both new and familiar attendees that NewsChannel 8 spoke with said they were glad to be a part of the special day.
“Every opportunity to walk in the Martin Luther King parade is a huge privilege,” said Prancing Pearls of Excellence founder Dr. Shavonda Pannell.
Other attendees NewsChannel 8 spoke with, including state government officials, echoed those words.
“What [Dr. King] taught us, his message, his quotes are more relevant today than it’s ever been,” said Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell.
Organizers said the weather also held up well compared to previous years with temperatures between the high 60s and low 70s.
NewsChannel 8 also asked some of the people involved in the parade why they continue to do so year after year.
“We love the way that Tulsa comes together for this parade,” said Tulsa Area United Way President Alison Anthony. “And the way that we show up for this community.”
