Yuma locals march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

FOX 9's Adam Klepp was there and has more on the Yuma NAACP Predient's message for this year

YUMA, Ariz (KECY, KYMA) - Many gathered to march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

The march began at the United Fellowship Church and the group was led by the Yuma Police Department.

This event has occurred annually for more than 30 years and for NAACP member Theresa Peterson, it’s a family tradition.

"We’ve been doing this since I was little. My mother was the president of the NAACP," Peterson said. I’m just following her footsteps, and getting my family out here to show there are things we can do to treat everyone equal.”

The march ended at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center but the festivities did not stop there.

Participants gathered for song and prayer as well as to hear from Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls.

"We as a city, and as a nation, want to honor and uphold the principles of Dr. King," Nicholls said. "I, Douglas J. Nicholls, Mayor of the city of Yuma Arizona, declare January 17th, 2022, to be the day of observance in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.”

Local NAACP President Elanor Sayles says this day is a day on, not a day off. She also already has a goal in mind for next year’s event.

"Let’s all here remember today, 2023, remember to be here again, and to bring the young people," Sayles said.