Melrose Street in Rochester was lit with dozens of luminarias to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a "Beloved Community,” Monday.
Those celebrating the MLK Holiday believe strongly in Dr. King’s campaign against racism and poverty.
“Sometimes you have to get uncomfortable to grow,” said Amber Krug, who has lived in the 19th Ward for five years.
Dr. Dan DeMarle started the MLK annual Luminary evening 14 years ago in the 19th Ward and claims the event helps to bridge the cultural gap in the community.
“A great diverse neighborhood and a wonderful place to be able to get people together and off of social media and actually talk face-to-face,” said Dr. DeMarle.
Luminarias, mostly made of white “peace” bags and candles, lined the streets throughout the 19th Ward on the city’s southwest side.
Quinnton Worth has lived in the 19th Ward for 27 years and says it’s more than just a day off: it’s a day to have an open discussion about race and poverty with your neighbors, young and old.
“Being an African-American, it’s very symbolic to me and to people that look like me,” Worth explains and adds his reasons for participating is to, “Essentially to just stand up in the face of adversity, racism and segregation.”
By the end of the night, many left some 12 locations feeling thankful for the life of Dr. King and motivated to keep the dialogue ongoing.
“We want to be a bright light, we are bright light and this is showing it,” said Dr. DeMarle.