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Lucas Tyus, Mykenzie Spights Jaylen Tillis and Karlee Wilson wait for the parade to begin. (Photos by Keith McCoy/ Advertiser)

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Clanton celebrated the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. with an annual parade on Jan. 15.

Several businesses and community members were among the parade participants.

For many, the parade is a time to not only remember King, but to also celebrate what has been accomplished to build on his legacy.

Participant Deborah Quince said she has either attended or participated in the event every year.

She said she enjoyed the parade because “It’s the pride in realizing what Martin Luther King did and that we are building on that, and it needs to continue.”

She thanked the Binions for organizing and starting the event.

Participant Kairaba Tyos said the parade “shows support for a great man who did a lot to unify all races, creeds and backgrounds.”

He said it was good to see a variety of ethnicities represented among the participants.

He also saw the event as a good networking opportunity.

Spectator Tonya Nix said the parade was a good way for the community to recognize the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr., and she hopes to see it grow bigger.

Spectator Leslie Kind said that without Martin Luther King, many things today would not be possible.

Many thanked the organizers for their work.

Spectator Rolethia Lollar said she loves how people of different backgrounds come together to honor the memory of King. She said she also wishes more businesses would honor his day.

After the parade, people gathered at E.M. Henry Recreation Center.

Organizer Robert Binion said he prayed for good weather for the day. Binion emphasized the importance of young people being involved in order to be ready to carry the torch.

Richard Davis was the grand marshal.

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