COVID stops MLK march, not its spirit

In the years since holding its first official Martin Luther King Jr. March in 1987, the city of San Antonio has become strongly identified with the national holiday honoring the birthday of the drum major for justice and nonviolence. The local MLK march has earned the reputation of being the largest in the nation, drawing upward of 300,000 people.

Unfortunately, for the second consecutive year, the march has been canceled because of an increase in COVID cases.

That San Antonio, a city with a relatively small Black population, would hold the largest march has long baffled people. Or baffled people who narrowly define and confine King as a Black man fighting only for the rights and dignity of Black people.

San Antonio’s huge, multicultural, ecumenical MLK march is in recognition that King’s message of love, dignity and justice is meant for all and that he belongs to all.

This is the same understanding driving Dreamweek, a citywide, multiday and multievent civic and cultural summit that contributes to San Antonio’s image of knowing how to celebrate King while continuing his quest to create a beloved community. Founded by Shokare “Sho” Nakpodia, Dreamweek celebrates its 10th anniversary next week.

While COVID will force this year’s opening ceremony, luncheon and Mayor’s Ball to be minimized to observe social distancing, more than 200 events are scheduled today through Jan. 30.

Like the annual march, Dreamweek recognizes that San Antonio is defined by cultural diversity and casts a wide net in summoning everyone across the city to engage in civil discussions on a wide range of issues. This engagement is also seen in programs celebrating music, art, cooking and even quilting.

COVID may stop a march to commemorate King, but it can’t stop the conversations and communitybuilding needed to honor his legacy by continuing his work.

For more information on Dreamweek events, go to dreamweek.org.