A Joyous Community Gathering Replaces San Antonio’s Annual MLK Jr. March Canceled Due to Weather

(SAN ANTONIO) — More than 500 people gathered on San Antonio’s east side for “Coming Together: Work Beyond the March” on Feb. 24 and 25. The spirited community event replaced the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March, which was canceled in January due to inclement weather. 

San Antonio’s MLK March is the largest in the nation, averaging about 250,000 attendees each year. As one of the city’s most prominent annual events since 1987, it was important for the MLK Commission to create an alternate experience for those saddened by the cancellation. 

During the two days,  San Antonians gathered to celebrate King’s legacy through singing, dancing, fellowship, and food. There was even an assortment of choirs, preachers, and community leaders on the program to share with the audience. Pastor Michael Brown, Constable Kathryn Brown, and Mayor Ron Nirenburg are amongst those who graced the stage. 

During Brown’s speech, she focused on San Antonio’s commitment to community engagement and how much she hopes it continues. She said that even with various ages, races, and genders in the crowd, it is necessary for San Antonio to continue building on unity. Brown made it clear to all that she deeply values each culture represented at the event and across the city. 

Although a smaller crowd of about  500 people attended Sunday, the event retained a welcoming atmosphere. It was an opportunity for community members to be entertained and also to learn about health and wellness. About 72% of San Antonio’s eastside lives in poverty, which directly correlates to health disparities and lack of certain resources. 

To counter these trends, the MLK Commission welcomed multiple health vendors to set up booths to promote their products and services. These included Women’s Educational and Healing Retreat, Inc. (WEHR), which invited participants to its annual Wellness Promotion festival in April. There, they will further promote doctor visits, wellness checks, and various health tests. 

Mycheldra Hubbard, a regular MLK March participant, is glad that the commission brought the health and wellness vendors to the community. 

“Many Black people aren’t aware of health concerns and certain things to look out for until it’s too late,” Hubbard said. “So thankfully, knowledge is being spread here and hopefully someone will make good lifestyle changes.” 

Though the MLK Commission’s decision to cancel the march due to weather was initially unfortunate, the community welcomed the alternative. 

“The energy is really nice out here,” Hubbard said. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t as big as the normal event, but it’s still a good time within the community with good  live music, food, and vendor participation.”