AUSTIN, Texas — On the first day of Black History Month, hundreds of people came together in East Austin to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s the 32nd year of the MLK Rally and Community Festival.
Austin Area Heritage Council put on the event on Saturday at Huston-Tillotson University. It was supposed to be held on MLK Day on Jan. 20 but postponed due to severe cold weather.
“When we ended up on Feb. 1 with this festival, we kind of laughed about it like, ‘Well, we could make that a kickoff, but it really is a kickoff,’” said Para Agboga, volunteer coordinator with the event. “February we celebrated it as Black History Month, but in reality, Black history is American history. And we can’t forget that all of our stories matter. It’s all a nice, beautiful tapestry, and when we weave it together, we get something wonderful out of it.”
Agboda and others at the event told KVUE they appreciate the diverse crowd mingling and supporting local businesses.
“I just love how everyone can come together,” said 10-year-old Toni Pearson, creator of TP Lip Gloss.
Pearson, who started her lip gloss business when she was 8 years old, was one of dozens of vendors selling goods at the festival.
The event also featured live music and food.
“I want folks out there who maybe didn’t make it this year to really consider coming out to MLK next year – not because of the food and the vendors, even though that’s great, but come out to fellowship with your fellow neighbors,” said Agboda. “Get to know people and realize that, you know what, it’s wonderful that we’re all different. It makes us special.”