The city of Miramar on Monday held one of the more than seven celebrations across Broward County honoring the life and legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thousands lined up with their families along South Sherman Circle to watch the parade. Local high school marching bands stopped every few feet to hype up the crowd and play music.
Many people brought chairs and camped out for the morning under some shady trees.
"I wanted to expose my children to what an MLK parade is," Miya Morris said. She brought her two kids, ages 6 and 12. "So they can know, OK, this is where we started, and now look where we are."
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Others, like Johanne Wilson participated in the parade and connected with various community organizations. Wilson walked in the parade with COOL Church, where she is the co-pastor. The church is located inside the Miramar Cultural Center.
She said events like the King celebrations remind people how to connect with others.
"This is the legacy of Martin Luther King," Wilson said. "For all people from all backgrounds to get together, gather and just spend time with each other, get to know each other — and just help create a better place for people to live in."
Prayer was a theme of the city's ceremony to celebrate King's leadership in faith, justice and love.
"Knowing God that you are smiling down on us ... we thank you," a pastor from Beyond The Four Walls International ministry said. "And if you agree, come on, just shout 'Amen!'"
The crowd yelled in unison, 'Amen!'
Mayor Wayne Messam, who briefly ran for U.S. president last year, addressed the crowd about the significance of the day, at the end of the parade route in Lakeshore Park:
"As the first black mayor elected in the city of Miramar, I do not take any pride on any self-doing. It's because of the sacrifices of Dr. King," Messam said. "We are living the life because of his legacy ... But moving forward, we all have the obligation to serve, to cure the injustices of today."
