March for equality through Colorado Springs honors MLK

The Colorado Springs Activism, Engagement, Empowerment march drew dozens to downtown Colorado Springs to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dream of equality.

The marchers sang songs as they walked from Acacia Park to Colorado College, which hosted the event.

“So many people were of the same mind, so many people saw this as a time to reach out to everyone. What actual unity was,” said Alpha Fisher, who sang and helped lead the march Monday night. “Look at all of these people that decided to come together and support the community.”

For many, they see the progress made and want to support it further in the community.

“Look at all of these people who have come together to support the community,” said marcher Desmond Ross.

“If a lot of us were patient and just talk to each other, I think people would get closer to understanding,” Fisher said.

The tradition restarted this year, after the marches had stopped.

“It’s important to be reflective on important things. Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King adds value,” said Dana Hagood, USAA executive director of human resources, which co-sponsored the march.

The issue of racism in America is far from solved. Controversies have developed in Ferguson, Missouri, Balitmore, Maryland and even Colorado Springs. In November, anonymous racist messages were posted on the social networking site Yik Yak.

But the marchers who gathered still have hope for the future, focusing on the progress.

“Unity is something we all have to go after, it’s not something we can just talk about,” Fisher said.

Colorado College hopes to organize an even bigger march next year.