MARQUETTE PARK — Hundreds of people retraced the steps of Martin Luther King Jr. Saturday, honoring the famous activist's work in Chicago.
King led a march in Marquette Park in 1966, where he and his supporters remained peaceful even while people threw stones and insulted them. On Saturday, about 50 years after that very march, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and others who walked with King returned to the park to gather, cheer, march and call for more change in the city.
Activists follow path of Freedom Movement march of 1966. pic.twitter.com/emRN5IjMjS
— Kelly Bauer (@BauerJournalism) August 6, 2016
"Fifty years ago, we could hope for a change. Now, they can vote," Jackson said. "We have a mission: Register and vote," he added, the crowd repeating his words.
After the march, at a gathering in Marquette Park, speakers reflected on King's legacy in Chicago: Some said people of color hadn't been welcome in that park during King's time, but now they built monuments there; Jesus "Chuy" Garcia said King's work made it possible for a Mexican American man like himself to run for mayor in Chicago; and Jackson said the Freedom Movement march led to fair housing.
But speakers also emphasized that there is more to do, with some calling for reform to the criminal justice system or more economic opportunities for people of color.
Jackson decried the shooting death of 18-year-old Paul O'Neal, who was shot dead by police last week, while Ald. David Moore (17th) suggested people give back to their communities for at least five hours per month to help make a difference.
Representatives from Assata's Daughters, an activist group that supports women of color, pushed for an end to gentrification in neighborhoods like Marquette Park and criticized how King and activists have been portrayed in the media.
"In order to preserve our communities and their cultures, we must fight for them," a member of Assata's Daughters said. Gentrification is "kind of like a modern-day colonialism," she said.
Assata's Daughters speak on 50th anniversary of Freedom Movement march in Marquette Park. @AssataDaughters pic.twitter.com/TUAzcngw78
— Kelly Bauer (@BauerJournalism) August 6, 2016
Organizers of the event also suggested people apply to the new MLK 1,000 Mile Scholarship program.
"We cannot stop now!" said Chicago activist Laila Mohammed. "We must continue, must continue this collective work!"
Supporters also unveiled the MLK Living Memorial, the first permanent tribute to King in Chicago, during a Friday ceremony.
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