Hundreds of people from different ethnic backgrounds marched about three miles yesterday from the UA Mall to Reid Park to remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The annual march, which has been a Tucson tradition for more than 15 years, is a ritualistic way for some UA students and community members to celebrate the holiday each year.
The march began with an opening ceremony, which included speeches from different individuals who wanted to honor King.
Betty Liggins, a freedom marcher in the 1960s and acquaintance of King, said she recently made history when she became the first nurse practitioner to retire from the UA.
Liggins said King encouraged her to go to college, a decision she never regretted.
King did not want to be remembered for his honors or rewards but for helping people, Liggins said.
Although King helped break down social barriers, Liggins said his dream of a perfect world is far from complete.
"The struggle continues," she said.
Paula Castillo, a 14-year-old student at Luz-Guerrero Early College High School, read her award-winning essay about King.
Castillo said it is important to remember King and his "I Have a Dream" speech, and to integrate his ideas into everyday life. She said since he died at a young age, others must continue to spread his word and learn from his teachings.
"People like me can finish what he started," Castillo said.
Castillo said violence and discrimination lead to increased violence and discrimination, a problem Americans need to solve.
"As a country, we need to stand together," Castillo said.
Sultana Pecherskaya, a sophomore at Rincon High School, also read her award-winning King essay.
"Discrimination has left a huge stain throughout history," Pecherskaya said. "We fear and hate what we don't understand."
Arizona voters passed legislation to recognize the King holiday in 1993.
The march included campus groups Alpha Kappa Alpha, African American Student Affairs, Campus Life, the Department of Multicultural Programs and Services, Diversity Resource Center and the UA President's Office.
Kristin Robinson, a speech and hearing science senior, said she grew up in Tucson and marched as a child for as long as she can remember.
"As you get older, you can appreciate his word more," she said.
Robinson said yesterday was a day to celebrate and remember Martin Luther King Jr. and just because the UA cancelled classes, it does not mean students should sleep in.
"It's not a day off, it's a day on," Robinson said.
Robinson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority that promotes unity and ethical standards, who lead the march by carrying a banner.
Tracy Taylor, an elementary education junior and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, said she was proud to remember King as a banner carrier.
Taylor said the holiday to her means "celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and how hard he worked for African-Americans."
Other students marched yesterday for the first time, excited to participate in an event that includes Tucson citizens from different backgrounds.
Chris Carpenter, a media arts sophomore, said his instructor in an ethnic relations class encouraged him to march and thought it sounded like a good idea.
Carpenter said growing up in Atlanta, he saw large celebrations and dedications for King each year.
"A lot of people who knew him or his relatives have activities," he said.
Mary Ulep, a pre-nursing sophomore, said it was her first march and was glad she came because black history is fascinating to her.