January 24, 2017
85th Legislative Session
Volume 11 Issue 5
Texas
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Representative Alonzo Joins Grand Prairie
NAACP for the Annual MLK Celebration
Drawing inspiration from both his Christian faith
and the peaceful teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King
led a nonviolent movement in the late 1950’s and ‘60s to
achieve legal equality for African-Americans in the United
States. He used the power of words and acts of nonviolent
resistance, such as protests, grassroots organizing, and civil
disobedience to achieve seemingly-impossible goals. He
was the driving force behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott
and the March on Washington, which helped bring about
such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964
and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Dr. King is greatly known for his "I Have a Dream"
speech and "Letters from a Birmingham Jail", which are
taught and studied by scholars and students worldwide. He
is the only non-president to have a national holiday
dedicated in his honor, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986.
Dr. King was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s less than thirteen years
of leadership ended tragically on April 4th, 1968, when he
was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis,
Tennessee.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan 15, 1929 - Apr 04, 1968)
Representative Alonzo along with local law enforcement
and members of the NAACP Grand Prairie Branch
The Grand Prairie NAACP Branch hosted its annual
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration on Saturday,
January 16th. The march began at the Liberty Bell at City Hall
Plaza and ended at David Daniels Elementary, where a short
program highlighted the achievements of Dr. King and local
youth groups, step groups, and youth gospel groups
performed and recited poetry.
The march is often attended by more than 100 local
Preachers along with the Masonic Lodge of Grand Prairie as
well as children, teens, and adults from throughout the
community. There were also 100 participating organizations,
who brought out floats, decorated vehicles, and performers
to participate in the annual parade.
The purpose of the march is to unify the community
through the remembrance and celebration of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.'s vision for equality and nonviolent
movements. Through this event, the NAACP strives to bring
together community members, students, preachers and
elected officials to share the dream and why it's important to
have diversity in Grand Prairie, Texas. Representative Alonzo
is proud to be a part of the continued efforts of the NAACP to
organize the community for a purpose and recognize the
existing and growing diversity in the Grand Prairie area.
Grand Prairie NAACP meetings are held the 2nd
Monday of every month at the Grand Prairie Chamber of
Commerce.
For more information concerning these topics or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 463-0408 or visit www.house.state.tx.us