The San Diego chapter of the Black Panther Party marched in its first Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Even with Black Panthers taking part for the first time, it was far more a parade than a protest.
The San Diego Community College District float showed a picture of Dr. King with the words “Let Freedom Ring” on the other side. Photo by Chris Stone
Sunday’s 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade had only a handful of units commenting on the Donald Trump presidency, five days away.
Only 8 percent of African-American voters supported the Republican on Election Day.
A day before the slain civil right’s leader’s national holiday, thousands watched school and civic groups with floats and bands head south down Harbor Drive toward Seaport Village.
Perhaps the most outspoken of the 96 parade units were members of San Diego Showing up for Racial Justice, holding Black Lives Matter placards, with white marchers holding signs reading: “WHITE SILENCE = WHITE VIOLENCE.”
Wearing a veil, one member bore a shirt saying: “Emmett sTill,” a reference to the black teenager Emmett Till whose Mississippi lynching in 1955 was a flashpoint in the nation’s civil rights awakening.
A spectator holds a sign showing her support for Rep. John Lewis D-Ga., who called Donald Trump an illegitimate president. Photo by Chris Stone
A white parade-goer held a green sign saying: “I AM WITH HON. JOHN LEWIS,” whose recent comment that he considers Trump an “illegitimate president” sparked controversy.
Politicians waving to crowds included Assembly members Todd Gloria and Shirley Weber, state Sen. Toni Atkins and Rep. Susan Davis. Myrtle Cole was the only San Diego City Council member in the parade.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer was absent, but a smiling Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman and county Sheriff Bill Gore walked the route with other brass.
Grand marshal was John E. Warren, co-publisher of San Diego’s Voice & Viewpoint newspaper, in its 56th year.
Isaiah Love of Santa Fe Christian School and Bryanna Shaw of Francis Parker High School were chosen king and queen of the event. Their court had Rayonna Davis of Gompers Preparatory Academy, Olivia Lewis of Academy of Our Lady of Peace, Caszmani Walker of Crawford High and Bryan Shaw of Parker.
Member of San Diego Showing up for Racial Justice group carried signs promoting their issues. Photo by Chris Stone
The parade, again coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., began after Lewis Sheffield recited from memory King’s 1,670-word “I have a dream speech” of 1963. There were 98 entrance in the parade.
The first-place winners were Serra High School, band; San Diego Community College District, float; Sherry’s Gotta Dance, drill/step team; San Diego State University, educational unit; and Links Achievers, marching unit. (See complete list.)
About a dozen local Black Panther Party members marched, having been asked on Facebook: “Please make sure that on the Day of the Event that you are wearing all Black.” This year marks its 50th in San Diego.
“The Panthers didn’t get to San Diego until late 1968, even though the party was formed in 1966,” UC San Diego’s Mychal Odom told The San Diego Union-Tribune last February. “The first black power group formed in San Diego was the Afro-American Association.”
Announcer Tayari Howard, president and CEO of Global Educational Media Network, said it was the first local MLK Parade appearance by the Black Panthers.
In the parade, Panthers including children reprised their 1960s-era raised fist salute.
A young participant gets a ride in the annual Martin Luther King Parade down Harbor Drive. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of the Transportation Safety Administration wave to the crowds along the street. Photo by Chris Stone
The chief of the Southwestern College police department, Michael Cash, gets recognition. Photo by Chris Stone
A one-person Highway Patrol car let the drivers stick his arms out of both windows. Photo by Chris Stone
Trophies were presented to winners after the parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Cheerleaders from Lincoln High School perform for the judges. Photo by Chris Stone
Children from a Head Start center are dressed as butterflies in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade in San Diego in 2017. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
Bryanna Shaw of Francis Parker High School and Isaiah Love of Santa Fe Christian School were queen and king. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego City College’s float showed a liberty bell, globe and Martin Luther King Memorial replica statue. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Veterans for Peace carry a banner and flags for their cause. Photo by Chris Stone
Constance Carroll, chancellor of the San Diego Community College District, greets spectators. Photo by Chris Stone
Faculty, students and family members represent Miramar College. Photo by Chris Stone
Students, faculty and staff of Mesa College walk behind their float entry. Photo by Chris Stone
Young girls watch members of a high school band. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of the Cesar Chavez Service Clubs take part in an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
The San Diego chapter of the Black Panther Party marched in the the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A young man marches with the Black Panthers in the the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A member of Showing Up For Racial Justice marches in the the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A young spectator perks up as a school band approaches in the the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Member of San Diego Showing up for Racial Justice group carried signs promoting their issues. Photo by Chris Stone
The mascot of Samuel Morse High School in southeastern San Diego greets spectators, much to their delight. Photo by Chris Stone
Young girls enjoy a drink and snack during the two-hour parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of the Soaring Eagles perform along the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Spectators record the performance of the San Diego Links achievers. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of the lnternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local union promote love. Photo by Chris Stone
The Town and County Learning Center carried its colorful banner in the the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A spectator holds a sign showing her support for Rep. John Lewis D-Ga., who called Donald Trump an illegitimate president. Photo by Chris Stone
UCSD band members get creative in front of the judges in the the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Lewis Sheffield recites from heart Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech before the parade. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego State University won first place for an educational unit in the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Link Achievers won first place for a marching unit in the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Serra High School won first place for a band in the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Sherry’s Gotta Dance won first place for a drill/step team in the annual Martin Luther King Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
