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TEXARKANA, Ark. -- The seventh annual MLK Day Parade is described by an organizer as a call for unity and community understanding.
The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. on Front Street and will wend its way through downtown under the banner of "A New Era, A New Time, A New Day. Continue to Push and Never Give Up."
Sponsored by Bridging the Gaps of Arkansas, the procession has a three-fold purpose.
"It's an opportunity to celebrate the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. It's an opportunity for people to learn about other people in the community and what they value. It's an opportunity to get out and celebrate," said Barbara Pitts Riley, executive director of Bridging the Gaps.
Pitts Riley said the parade is the brainchild of Brandon Houff, who presented the idea to Bridging the Gaps. The organization -- which Pitts Riley said "helps people to connect to the resources they need to be successful" -- pledged its support to keep King's work from being forgotten.
"Kids have no idea about Dr. King," Pitts Riley said of the civil rights leader who was assassinated at age 39 on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. "They have no idea about the struggle. Hopefully, it stimulates the conversation about Dr. Martin Luther King and his purpose, life and legacy, and that his life was not in vain."
So far, at least 30 participants have entered the procession, which will feature some floats, church vans, car clubs, motorcycle groups and trail ride groups. Music will be provided by DJ Holley Grove, with emcees Dr. Brian Matthews of Texas A&M University-Texarkana and Sonya Collins of Texarkana Independent School District.
Pitts Riley expects at least 300 people to line up on the parade route. Participants will line up in front of the American Legion on Broad Street, take a left turn onto Hazel Street and continue down Front to Olive Street, where the procession will take East Fourth back to Hazel.
Vendors -- which were up to seven by Sunday afternoon -- include food trucks and local artisans.
"The parade is good for vendors to gain exposure and customers," Pitts Riley said.
In the years since the parade started, Pitts Riley has seen growing interest in the work of King, who helped drive passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"Just today, a little girl at church said, 'I'll see you tomorrow at the parade,'" Pitts Riley said about a 5-year-old acquaintance.
The fee to participate in the parade was $20 for those in the procession and $25 for vendors. All proceeds go to the costs of hosting the procession.
For Pitts Riley, the mission of the MLK Day Parade is worth the costs.
"We're doing a great work. I think God smiles on us and what we're doing in bringing people together."