SPC Participates in Nation’s Largest MLK Celebration

Nearly 300 St. Philip’s College students, staff, and faculty joined thousands of San Antonio residents on Monday, Jan. 20, for the 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. March, the nation’s largest MLK celebration.

The march began at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy and stretched nearly three miles, ending at Pittman-Sullivan Park. Along the route, participants reflected the city’s spirit of community, walking to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

James Cooper, Interim Dean for Academic Success, Academic Services, said, “I’m from Chicago, and this is my first time participating in the march. Walking the route, I could see the impact St. Philip’s College has on the entire city and feel the college’s leadership presence on the eastside of San Antonio.”

This year’s theme, “Diversity unites us, love leads us, and action propels us,” emphasized the ongoing relevance of King’s message. Despite the cold, hundreds of thousands of people transformed the East Side into a vibrant display of unity and determination.

St. Philip’s College proudly marched in the education section of the parade, joining other local schools such as sister colleges San Antonio College and Palo Alto College.

"Growing up, I attended the march every year with my siblings and Papa. Coming back as an adult with St. Philip’s College brought those memories flooding back," said St. Philip’s College student Anthony Clark. "I’m always amazed by the incredible turnout and the way so many people come together in unity. The march is also a chance to reconnect with members of my community."

Three-time Olympic gold medalist and U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas served as the keynote speaker, while Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Coco Jones performed at the conclusion of the march festivities.

The first march took place in 1968, just days after Dr. King’s assassination, and the annual event has grown into a citywide tradition celebrating equality and justice.