Jan 26, 2020
On January 20, the city of Pine Bluff came together to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Community and campus organizations joined to participate in a march that commemorated the marches he participated in. Similar demonstrations happened around the country as the nation remembered him as a champion for civil rights and the improvement in the quality of life for black Americans. In Pine Bluff, the atmosphere was one of joy and reverence as people remembered the sacrifices of not only Dr. King but those who marched alongside him and the people who worked to advance the cause. There were also many students in attendance, and the feeling was mutual among them that this march was more than a way to remember the life of Dr. King. The march was a reminder of privileges that have been gained because of the people that came before us. One student said, “The short distance we marched gave me a glimpse into the marches of the 1960s, I couldn’t imagine marching as much as they did.” Another student said, “This experience has made me more appreciative of the value of marches.”
This sentiment was shared with other students, and youth from the community as older members of the community shared experiences with them that highlighted the importance of community and comradery in the black community. The city of Pine Bluff also has a connection to Dr. King. He spoke at the 1958 commencement ceremony for then AM&N. He is still felt throughout the campus and city as a little piece of the movement, and he is in Pine Bluff. As the parade concluded, there was a presentation at the Pine Bluff convention center, and the city grew a more profound sense of pride as people showed up to support.
The King day festivities were more than a time for reflection on the life of Dr. King. The day was indicative of a change in Pine Bluff and showed the tide is turning. Pine Bluff is making a comeback, and with the values from Dr. King and the principles of the civil rights movement, the city can and will continue to progress.