Riviera Beach’s annual parade celebrated Dr. King’s life, uniting the community in remembrance of his dream and the ongoing struggle for equality
The Marching 100 Band from Florida A&M University and the Roar Marching Band from Florida Memorial University brought the energy. City officials waved from convertibles, while vendors offered tasty treats like fried Oreos and barbecue ribs.
Everywhere you looked, there were t-shirts and posters featuring Dr. King’s face, reminding everyone of his fight for human rights over 50 years ago.
Terrion Nelson kicked off the parade by singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem. She encouraged everyone to keep King’s legacy alive, saying it’s remembered, but not enough.
Brother Carl Muhammad, 72, recalls watching the brutal beatings of marchers on TV during the civil rights movement. He was a child then, but those memories shaped his resilience. He often asks young folks what they know about King, and sadly, they usually don’t know much beyond the fact that he had a dream.
Lorrine Mond, who graduated high school just before King was assassinated, wants her grandson to understand the sacrifices made for his opportunities. She hopes he knows he can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
