ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Despite harsh weather postponing Jacksonville’s parade, St. Augustine continued its 40-year tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an annual silent walk.
The solemn event brought together community members to celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy and commitment to equality and justice.
The walk, which culminated in a ceremony at the plaza downtown, featured participants from various organizations, including the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, of which Dr. King was a member, and the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, which his wife Coretta Scott King was a member.
RELATED: ‘It was always peace’: Dr. King’s legacy lives on 59 years after he marched in St. Augustine
Christopher Jackson, President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Sigma Pi Lambda Chapter, emphasized the significance of St. Augustine in Dr. King’s fight for civil rights.
“This is definitely one of the areas where he played a role, fighting for equal rights for everybody,” Jackson said.
In 1964, Dr. King traveled to St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, to stand against racial discrimination. This visit followed a violent incident involving local dentist Robert B. Hayling, who was attacked by the Ku Klux Klan during a sit-in protest.
Dr. King collaborated with local activists to organize protests and forged strong ties with local churches. Despite facing threats and even gunfire at his residence, he remained steadfast in his mission to support the community’s fight for justice.
The Ripple Effect: How the impact of the historic St. Augustine ‘Swim-In’ still echoes today
“It’s very important to us that we continue his legacy of focusing on service before self,” Jackson added.
The Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, representing Northeast Florida, joined other Divine Nine organizations to honor Dr. King’s vision.
“Making sure we continue his vision that not everyone is judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, is very important to us,” Jackson noted.
The annual silent walk in St. Augustine serves as a poignant reminder of Dr. King’s impact and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. As participants walked in silence, they reflected on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.
