TEMPLE, TX — The mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. continued through activists in Temple Monday. Hundreds of marchers came together to speak out against inequality and honor the civil rights leader.
“It is important to remember the legacy because Dr. King said, "It’s not by the color of your skin, but the content of your character." So, as we see here today, there’s a good turnout of folks,” said Marvin Bell.
The demonstration began with a brief tribute outside the New Day Fellowship before marching to the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Inside the church, all were welcome for a fellowship service which concluded the event.
“We made progress, but we’re still working,” said Darielle Cyphers, an activist.
This year’s march is different for many participating. It comes just weeks after Michael Dean’s death. Dean was an unarmed black man was shot and killed by a Temple police officer.
“MLK, Jr. pushed heavily against police brutality. When people were doing sit ins and just trying to live like a regular citizen, they didn’t. They got beat up and put into jails, including Martin Luther King, Jr. So today, we need to stand with Michael Dean,” said Doree Collins, Executive Director of the Un-included Club.
Over the past several weeks, the Temple NAACP has been asking for transparency in the investigation into the death of the 28-year-old father. Several activists 25 News spoke to say Dr. King’s message echoes what the advocacy group has been pushing for since Dean’s death.
“He had so much more life to give, but it was cut short because the police abused their power, and we need to remember that today,” said Collins.
The Michael Dean case remains under active investigation by the Texas Rangers. They tell 25 News the investigation will end shortly. The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave.
