An estimated 35,000 people turned out to either watch the
festivities or participate as marchers.
Congresswoman Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, a FAMU alumna,
served as the grand marshal. She said the event presented an opportunity to
remember King’s fight for voting rights.
“MLK taught us one thing: The ballot box is where you demonstrate,” Brown said. “I would not be here if it wasn't for the 1965 Voting Rights Act and MLK and all of the other leaders in the community.”
Gov. Rick Scott and Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown were also
among the parade participants.
According to the WJXT, the Jacksonville event is “the
largest Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade in the state of Florida.”
