Hundreds march in downtown Phoenix in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan 19, 2015, 9:27 AM | Updated: 9:42 am
PHOENIX — Crowd estimates range from 500-800 people who left Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church at 15th Street and Jefferson at 9 a.m. for the 45-minute march to Hance Park near 3rd Street and McDowell.
Leticia Long was one of those participants, taking part in her first MLK Day March.
“It means a lot for me,” Long said. “Martin Luther King fought for all races and equality for everyone. This day is a staple for all people who strive just to be treated fairly.”
A festival is underway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hance Park.
Mesa is holding a parade with dozens of entries starting at 11 a.m. along Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Center Street, followed by a festival from 12-4 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center.