Marchers in Saginaw reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, inaugural

SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) – Monday was just the third time the inauguration of a President happened on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

President Donald Trump has said he will sign executive orders removing certain diversity programs, but marchers who braved arctic weather in Saginaw on Monday believe King’s message will continue.

“While it is cold, it is still a joy to see the expression on people’s faces, the commitment they have and the love for the message that Dr. King gave to all,” said Saginaw Valley State University President George Grant.

The 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day march through Saginaw honored the civil rights icon.

“It means a lot to me to know somebody that was not just a Christian but to fight for what he believed in, and freedom, for black and white,” said Saginaw Valley State University student Esther Gariva. “Clearly he had a vision and a dream and I believe in the dream.”

She also knew Trump was being sworn in to office on Monday. She didn’t have concern that certain diversity and equity programs could be removed. Instead, she pledges her support for the new administration.

“It doesn’t matter. We just have to believe that he can do it,” Gariva said. “He needs all the help that he can get, so let’s not hate, let love lead. We will be fine.”

Grant said it’s up to all of us to make sure King’s dream of equality continues while Americans wait for the new administration to enact policy and executive orders.

“If people are committed to the message of Dr. King and committed to everyone coming together, then that is the message we need to send out to the community,” Grant said.

Former President Bill Clinton was the first American head of state inaugurated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1997. Former President Barack Obama also was sworn in to office on the holiday in 2013.

The next America president to be inaugurated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day will happen in 2053.

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