Nashvillians celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with march, convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - While many had the day off, some Nashvillians said the day was on as they commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Hundreds braved the cold temperatures as they marched from Jefferson Baptist Church to the Gentry Center at Tennessee State University.

Erica Perry was one of the women who attended.

“To come with people who are also committed to justice who are also committed to economic and racial justice in Nashville it felt really good to be out here even while it’s seven degrees outside,” Perry said.

Robert Brown, another attendee, said that even though it was freezing cold, it was nothing compared to what people had to fight and continue to fight for every day.

Michael Horton says he’s been marching since the 60s and that’s what it‘s all about.

“It changes everything for the next generation that’s why I’m here,” Horton said.

After the march, a convocation was held at the Gentry Center. The convocation focused on reiterating Dr. King’s message.

“Anywhere people are suffering or oppressed you know as Dr. King says we have a commitment to love and a commitment to justice,” Perry said.

Perry also shared why she feels it’s a message that is still relevant today.

“For me, it’s so important to continue that legacy because we have not yet gotten right to that freedom land that Dr. King was talking about, but it is possible in our lifetime if we work together.”

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