Marchers, politicians urge community to continue fighting injustice on MLK Day

The governor and members of Congress spoke at the Ordway.

Marchers braved the frigid cold in St. Paul on Monday to celebrate King’s message and life’s work.

St. Paul, MN (Star Tribune) — Hundreds of people, bundled in layers and faces wrapped in scarves, marched through downtown St. Paul on Monday morning to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and speak out against injustice.

“It’s easy for you to say, ‘I want to make a change,’ ” but showing up to march proves you meant it, said Maryan Hersi, a junior at Anoka High School. She was one of many students who braved the cold and spent their day off school at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, where politicians, artists and community leaders urged people to continue King’s work.

The marchers also included many Oromo community members, who said they were trying to raise awareness of a crackdown on protesters in Ethiopia — who oppose the expansion of the capital Addis Ababa into the Oromia state — and the deaths of college students during protests.

Supporters of the Oromo cause came to celebrate King, and see similarities to their effort and his, said Awol Windissa, a local community leader.

It’s not enough to remember a great man, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar told attendees. People need to work to stop the violence that is tearing apart families and close the achievement gap between students of color and white students in Minnesota, which is one of the largest in the nation, she said.

“We know Dr. King would not be satisfied and we are not satisfied,” Klobuchar said.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison echoed her message and outlined some specific changes he said are needed to advance equity in Minnesota. Syrian refugees need to be welcomed, the minimum wage must be raised and fair scheduling changes need to be implemented, Ellison said. He also called for “meaningful investments” in community-oriented policing.

People are struggling to have good relationships with officers, who sometimes abuse the poor, Ellison said.

“It’s not being a cop hater. It’s not being anti-police. It’s being anti-police misconduct,” he said.

Many law enforcement officials attended Monday’s event in St. Paul and marched with protesters. A police officer was among the officials who helped hold a banner that included the message, “Standing together to honor the man and realize the dream.”

The marchers also included many Oromo community members, who said they were trying to raise awareness of a crackdown on protesters in Ethiopia — who oppose the expansion of the capital Addis Ababa into the Oromia state — and the deaths of college students during protests.

Supporters of the Oromo cause came to celebrate King, and see similarities to their effort and his, said Awol Windissa, a local community leader.

“The same issues, the same injustices. The only difference is the time,” Windissa said.

Community members of all ages attended the event that was organized by the Governor’s Council on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. It included musical performances, dancing, spoken word and prayer.

After the event, Jackie Cooper, who is a member of the African American Leadership Forum, said she felt optimistic that younger community members, like those involved in Black Lives Matter, are continuing the passionate work of past African American leaders.

“They want to be heard, they want to be seen. They want us to pass the torch, and we need to,” Cooper said.

Selam Berhea, a senior at Blaine High School, said she sees a growing social awareness among her classmates and feels a pressure to continue building on the dreams of leaders like King.

“That’s the whole reason I try to do well in school,” Berhea said. “I want to sustain the success the black community has achieved.”