BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations moved online across the country and here at home but the message of Dr. King will be heard in the Brazos Valley.
The pandemic has altered the way many people observe the holiday but it hasn't changed the mission to carry on his legacy.
"Dr. King was a drum major for justice," Kay Peavy, president of Navasota City Wide Mission said.
Navasota’s yearly march will move to an online event.
"Each year, the crowd tends to get larger and larger, and so it will definitely be- leave a little void - this year in not having the parade," Peavy said.
The pandemic forced Navasota City Wide Mission to cancel. Not missing a beat, the community organization moved their program to air on Facebook Live and be posted on the community organization's Facebook page to remember why Dr. King's vision is so important to up hold.
"He was one who I am going to say sort of set the barometer for us to measure where we've come from to where we are now," Peavy said.
Growing up, Peavy's school wasn't fully desegregated until the fifth grade. Looking at today, she sees progress in her grandchildren.
"They don't think about color. Their friends are their friends. And if their parents you know what race one is or something, they are quick to say well that's - you're being prejudice," Peavy said.
Even though she says she sees younger generations living out his creed, it's impossible to ignore the racial tensions and injustices that remain. This annual celebration is a way to keep Dr. King's vision in focus.
"We're not, you know, our fore parents. We are a new generation and we should be continually striving toward excellence or to make this a better world," Peavy said.
Since the program will air online, it will be able to reach a much wider audience, reminding even more people to keep striving toward equality.
Here is the link to the online program.