By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
The Seattle MLK Jr. Coalition hosted its 42nd annual region-wide Martin Luther King Jr. rally and march on Monday, drawing thousands to Garfield High School to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights icon. The event included an opportunity fair, workshops, guest speakers, and a spirited march through Seattle’s Central District to downtown.
“This is always exciting,” said Carolyn, a mother of two and business owner who attended the event. “It is always exciting when the diversity of Seattle can come together through all of the divisiveness going on right now, and come together under the legacy of one of America’s most iconic civil rights leaders. I am glad to be here and have my children witness what civic engagement looks like.”
This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day coincided with Inauguration Day, adding an urgent relevance to the event’s theme, “We Rise Against Project 2025.” The coalition selected the theme after the election, reflecting concerns about the impact of another Trump administration.
Project 2025, an initiative developed by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, aims to reshape the federal government through sweeping right-wing policies. Critics argue the initiative threatens social programs and institutions like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, key pillars of civil rights protections.
“We are experiencing a change. Whether it is negative change or positive change, we won’t know, but under this new administration, there are going to be some major alterations to the fabric of America,” said Charles Williams, a construction carpenter from Capitol Hill. “But we can be optimistic based on history, which we are celebrating today, that there are people who will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of all Americans. This event is a prime example of that.”
The day began with workshops and an opportunity fair held in Garfield High School’s gym, providing resources and discussions about civic engagement, equity, and community-building. These activities were followed by a rally and the march, which made its way through the streets of Seattle’s Central District before concluding downtown.
The participation of students was particularly notable, as many used the holiday to engage in the day’s events.
“This is my generation’s opportunity to engage,” said Delicia, a junior at Cleveland High School. “I have seen images and videos of the past, when Dr. King marched for civil rights, and this is my opportunity to pay homage to his legacy and build a legacy of my own.”
The spirit of King’s legacy was evident throughout the event, with participants addressing some of today’s most pressing issues. Calls for a ceasefire in Gaza were prominently featured, alongside messages of inclusion and equity expressed in speeches and on signs carried during the march.
“This year’s theme felt especially relevant,” organizers said, noting the significance of the presidential inauguration falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event provided a platform for Seattle and the Puget Sound region to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality while raising awareness about contemporary challenges.
Source: Seattle Medium
