After being canceled in January due to icy weather conditions, the community in San Antonio gathered to keep the image of Martin Luther King alive on Feb. 24 and 25. The City of San Antonio invited citizens to attend the “Working Beyond the March” event at Pittman Sullivan Park. This celebration was a weekend of connections through resources such as local businesses, health agencies, youth activities and food and a way to learn about the various assets San Antonio has to offer.
The main attractions of the event were the various booths and local businesses present. One of the organizations in attendance was none other than the City of San Antonio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. Founded in 1986, this organization is well-known for planning the annual MLK March and spearheading initiatives to honor Dr. King through a variety of community events. Individuals could stop by and gather information pertaining to the event, Black community-related topics and even local Black-owned businesses that individuals can support in San Antonio.
“I’m here at the event volunteering my services to a community that has always given back to me and my family,” volunteer Sandra Cassel said. “I love these kinds of events because it’s so informative, we got a booth that helps you register to vote, help you get your business started, get healthcare, look at entertainment, information and other stuff like that.”
Various booths at the event also touched on health-related issues. This included stands such as Latched Support Services and the Metropolitan Health District, which were both there to advise and offer their resources to San Antonio’s community.
“Our main goal for being here today is to, number one, spread brand awareness, making sure families do know about the services available to them and just incorporating that with having a fun time with the community,” Latched Program Associate Shaniah Clement said.
Health Program Specialist for the Immunization, Outreach, Education and Partnership Program (IOEP) Rianna Walker and Health Program Specialist for immunization information systems, immunization quality provider Adrienne Barrie also gave information on the Metro Health District.
“My heart is about collaborating with outside external partners and making sure we’re giving equitable immunizations in San Antonio,” Walker said. Barrier continued by saying “We just want to support the community and empower them to get vaccines to [create] a healthy community and healthy life whether it’s [from] getting immunizations, [or from] STI and STD prevention.”
Aside from the various food vendors, where attendees could enjoy turkey legs, burgers and refreshing drinks, individuals at the event were provided entertainment by various guest speakers and performances.
“We had an idea to put together a two-day festival. We allow the community not only present on stage but also opportunities for people to come out together and continue to celebrate the legacy,” Commemorative Program Chair Mia Morris said. “This event I think should be a platform for local artists, a platform for people to come and showcase their talents and celebrate.
Despite the MLK March’s previous cancellation, Working Beyond the March provided a festival-like event where individuals could come together as a community and keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive. To learn more or get updates on events going on in San Antonio, visit the City of San Antonio website.
