Bethlehem residents honored the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 21 with a Civil Rights Movement March. At around 11:30 a.m., members of the Civil Rights Movement in Bethlehem met in front of St. Bernard’s Beneficial Society on Broadhead Avenue in preparation to march to Martin Luther King Park on Carlton Avenue.

The event was organized by Frankie West, president of the Civil Rights Movement and member since 1967. He explained his involvement with the organization and why he enjoys doing the marches year after year.

“These marches bring us unity,” he said.

Timothy Smith, founder and lead pastor of City of David Ministries Faith Works and House, led the march.

“We need to get past clichés,” Smith said. “We need to be an active participant in the dream.” By leading the march, Smith did just that.

Smith was preceded in the march by families, friends, State Representative Steve Samuelson, Liberty HS Principal Harrison Bailey, representatives from the Liberty HS Marching Band and more.

All in attendance sang “We Shall Overcome” before arriving at the memorials to both Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Prayers were said by Timothy Smith and Tina Singleton from the Temple Bible Church of Bethlehem, followed by speeches by West, Bailey and Samuelson, who read excerpts from “A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.”

A reception at St. Bernard’s Beneficial Society followed for all participants to enjoy. The march was a great reminder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., what he stood for, and how to keep his memory alive today.

“This is the best feeling,” West said. “You can’t ask for anything better.”