Winter weather cancels some MLK Day events, but message was still shared

There was no gathering around Dr. King's statue at the University of Texas on Monday. For the second straight year, the annual march from campus was postponed because of bad weather. 

However, that didn't stop the celebrations across Central Texas, and sharing the message.

Importance of MLK's message

What they're saying:

"The March brings attention to the cause. I think we've kind of done that. When are you going to do something about it? These issues are still the same," said Austin NAACP President Nelson Linder.

The annual MLK Day march to Huston-Tillotson University usually brings out a large crowd. Monday's cancelation, according to Linder, is an opportunity, a chance to bring King's message back into neighborhoods and into homes.

"You can't name one thing in nature that comes from the top. It all comes from the bottom. So what are we doing? Everything drugstore here. So, if you go to the bottom, you catch everybody because you're going up. But right now, unfortunately, even our communities, our leaders, are not being challenged. Everybody's satisfied. How can you be satisfied with this reality," asked Linder.

That resolve was seen at Pease Park. Organizers of a food drive relocated the event, moving from the picnic area into the small park cottage. Drive-up donations were brought inside and then sorted by volunteers.

"Yeah, it's a day of service. So, we love to do this every year and make sure that we all give back to our community on this day. Honor Martin Luther King's legacy of doing good for others and just get our community together to help our neighbors and meet," said Allison Johnson with the Conservancy.

MLK celebrations were held throughout Central Texas

What happened:

In Georgetown, several MLK Day community events took place, like a youth service gathering held at the Georgetown Community Center.

"And so I feel it's very important that we should be there for people and be involved," said youth volunteer Abby Chairez.

High school kids gave their holiday to volunteer their time.

"There are so many different things that my friends are doing that so many other people around the country are doing. And so, it's important because we're all unified together," said youth volunteer Christinna White.

The teens helped several local agencies and even made blankets and toys for animal shelters.

"There's still stuff from what he said when he was here that has an impact on us today. And I think that really plays a big part in everything that we do now," said youth volunteer Brandon Washington.

A march did take place in Georgetown despite the blustery conditions.

"It's important to be here on a cold day because it's a part of our history. It's a part of our legacy. It's a part of my story. And I believe in the dream," said Rev. Cheryl Wilson.

Organized by the Georgetown Fellowship of Churches, those who turned out bundled up. Lead by an honor guard and a girl scout troop, they walked seven blocks from the Williamson County Courthouse to the Macedonia Baptist Church.

"It's important for the girls to be here just to understand where we've come from and how far more than we have to go," said Christy Savoy.

A similar walk in Bastrop was moved inside to the convention center. 

Will there be other MLK Day events?

What they're saying:

Dream Week continues with Southwestern University holding events on the 29th and 31st. 

Southwestern University will host a free MLK Luncheon on January 29 at 12:30 p.m. in the McCombs Ballroom featuring Derrick Standifer. Standifer is a youth motivational speaker. 

On Jan, 31, Southwestern University will hold a performance of "Thurgood" at the Alma Thomas Theater. The curtain goes up on the one-man play at 7:30 p.m. The play features Selmore Haines III and celebrates the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. 

Austin's MLK event at Huston Tillotson University will be held on Saturday, Feb 1.

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Rudy Koski

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