Keeping dream alive

Deborah Middleton had a parade of her own Monday.

While the King Holiday Day parade stretched halfway down King Street, Middleton and her extended family -- sisters, cousins, grandchildren -- took up most of a city block to watch the rolling celebration.

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King Parade

Hundreds of Charleston residents lined the streets of downtown Monday to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. by watching the parade named in his honor.

"It's a family tradition," Middleton said. "We never miss a Martin Luther King Day parade."

The family was treated to some of the best weather -- sunny with temperatures in the 60s -- and one of the largest King Day parades in recent memory. Nearly 90 groups were represented in the YWCA-sponsored parade, many by multiple vehicles. For most of the route, the sidewalks were lined with people celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Local churches, high school marching bands and gospel choirs mingled with classic cars, clowns and even Cub Scouts on the long walk from Burke High School to Marion Square. The parade was led by the Tuskegee Airmen.

Emmanuel Baptist Church alone had 10 cars in the parade.

"We've been doing this for 15 years," said Dorothy Johnson, advisor to the church's junior and senior ushers. "We're honoring a great man. And we do this to let our young people know that it is an honor to be a part of this."

Emmanuel had more cars than usual, Johnson said. She admitted the fine weather might have had something to do with it, but there was more to it than that.

"We want to keep the dream alive," said Louise Burns, another member of the church.

Marching in his third King Day parade was Eugene White, battalion commander for St. John's High School JROTC. He and executive officer Curtrinia Ladson, both juniors, led their drill team through the streets of Charleston.

"I love it," White said. "It's a time for us all to come together to celebrate Martin Luther King."

As the parade went into its home stretch, Brieanda Porcher, a drum major at Garrett Academy, led the school's marching band through one number after another. Even though it looked like a lot of work, Porcher, a junior, loved every minute of it.

"It's fun," she said.

Apparently, everyone really does love a parade.

Reach Brian Hicks at 937-5561 or bhicks@postandcourier.com.