Cold weather didn’t stop people from walking from their assembly area at the Comfort Suites hotel on West Third Street to the Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Memorial on Carlton Avenue in Bethlehem.

The event Jan.19 was noticeably smaller than previous years, likely because bitter cold temperature and snowed-in streets and parking lots discouraged attendance. Even the sidewalks and the park grounds were covered by four to five inches of snow.

The procession began about 11:15 a.m. A Bethlehem city police squad car preceded the small crowd as marchers walked almost a quarter of a mile to the park.

Children carried wreaths or floral arrangements at the head of the procession. The wreaths brought by the children nestled atop the snow-topped monuments commemorating the historic couple.

Children comprised a noticeable portion of the celebrants as organizers and adults focused on teaching the next generation the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Among the guests were local political officials including City of Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds who was accompanied by Janine Ambot Santoro, director of equity and inclusion.

Reynolds and Pa. Rep. Steve Samuelson both spoke to the assembly at the park expressing solidarity with the goals advocated by the late civil rights leader.

Samuelson’s memorial oration echoed the writings of Dr. King.

“In our founding documents, in our hearts, in our lives that we live, we always have to look for opportunities,”

Samuelson said. “Work together where we see injustice. Overcome inequality. We shall overcome inequity.

“Dr. King said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’”

Candidate for U. S. House of representatives from PA’s 7th Congressional District Ryan Cresswell also attended. While he did not speak at the event, he provided a statement to the press.

“Today, we honor an American hero. MLK held a mirror to America and asked us to confront an American shortcoming - that a country founded on the principle that all men are created equal institutionalized racial discrimination.

“He spoke truth and held our nation accountable to its unfulfilled ideals,” Cresswell said in his release. “He met violence with peaceful protest; epithets and slurs with soaring oratory; hate with understanding. And he paid the ultimate price for what he gave to America and the world.”

Area youth leaders attended such as Winston Alozie, CEO of the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club.

Alozie also led the attendees in a song, “Lead Me Home.”

Master of ceremonies Frankie West presented several youth leaders awards.

Coaches Randy Atiyeh and Doug Snyder from William Allen HS and Gabe Robinson from Freedom HS received recognition for their service to local children.

Pamela Rynearson, mother of NBA player and William Allen HS graduate Tyrese Martin, accepted an award for her son in recognition of his work on Tyrese 4 You Foundation, which he set up to give back to his hometown community in the Lehigh Valley.

Jaxyn Rushing of Executive Charter School in Allentown was recognized for achievements as a flag football player at the Junior Olympics.

The event was organized by Frankie West, who has been a leader in this annual celebration which he founded in 1973.