For almost 50 years, communities around the country have paused for a day in January to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Bright sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures welcomed participants to this year's march in downtown Lexington.
Recent events in Ferguson, Missouri and New York were on the minds of many Monday as they remembered the slain civil rights leader. Some marchers carried signs calling attention to the deaths of black men at the hands of police in Ferguson and New York. 15 year old Zachery Smiley says he now thinks twice when planning his social activities. "Just cautious as to who I'm hanging around and make sure I'm always in the right place and with a lot of people that are like civilized and things," said Smiley.
Also participating in this year's celebration was Church Edwards. Edwards says some police officers need more training and better attitudes. "It's systemic of society, it's a reflection," said Edwards. "And I don't think things are as bad as some people say there are and I don't think things are as good as others say they are. The matter is more complex than what most people frame it."
Veteran police officer Sean Coleman marched along with others in law enforcement. He said it's a good time to connect and interact with the community.
