Members of the community walked down to the Leander Activity Center, holding signs that they created. Standing side by side, young children, teens and adults chant, “Justice, Humanity, for the Common Good,” a display of unity and commitment to equality.

To honor Martin Luther King Jr. the city of Leander hosted its annual MLK Day March and Celebration on Jan. 20. This is the city’s fifth time hosting an MLK Day celebration. More than 300 people attended this gathering, with appearances from city officials, sororities/fraternities, community members and families. The event was sponsored by Atmos Energy, CapMetro, Carlson Law Firm, H-E-B and Life Church.

“Today, as we gather together, we celebrate not just the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, but also the enduring power of his legacy,” guest speaker Remi Jobi said. “The theme, “Marching Towards a Better Tomorrow,” perfectly encapsulates Dr. King’s mission. He imagined a world where justice and equality were not just ideas, but a reality, a world where children of all races could play together, and where people would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Performances throughout that day featured Rouse Dhamaka, Austin Haze, Jasmine Battie, the Wildflower Winds, Fame Dance Academy, Bobcat Steppers, Lilyana Chinese School of Dance and Great Promise dancers.

“It was a great event, seeing the Leander community coming together and walking for a united cause to acknowledge a wonderful event in celebration for Martin Luther King,” Coordinator of Advanced Programs/AVID Ashlee Pope said. “Seeing our students take part in it and connecting with community leaders and other peers that they didn’t know is always a great feeling.” 

Leander ISD students submitted entries to the annual essay and video competition, with the theme “Marching Towards A Better Tomorrow,” reflecting on how students can make a positive impact in their community. The winners of the contest were announced at the event.

“We can learn so much from the youngest members of our community,” City Council Member Na’Cole Thomspon said. “Students that participated in the essay contest use their voices to propose solutions for today’s challenges in our schools and communities. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, our young people are so talented and so creative.” 

One of the winners of the video competition, was sixth grader Aaron O., she received a certificate and monetary award for her video. 

“Equality and diversity are the most important parts for making a better tomorrow,” Aaron O. said. “Diversity is like a few flowers, they are all different, but put together the unique parts make a harmony. Each and everyone of us should stand proudly as a field of flowers.”

For the second year in a row, Rouse Dhamaka performed their dance to show their culture and diversity. 

“I really enjoy performing and showcasing my skills as I’ve always had a passion for dance, even as a little girl,” Dhamaka president Hamsini Malladi said. “Diversity is very important to me and Dhamaka because it brings together multiple perspectives, experiences and ideas that can increase the group’s creativity, leading to our overall success.”

In addition, members of the Rouse Black Student Union came out to support.  

“I came to reconnect with my community and celebrate MLK Day,” sophomore Chelsea Jones said. “It resonates with me because Martin Luther King made such a big change and impact on our community, and other communities as well. I just wanted to commemorate his legacy.”

The celebration concluded with the raffle announcement of the live painting winner. The painting featured MLK in the front, surrounded with images cultivating change. The painting had no eyes to symbolize that the future is in this generation’s hands.

“You get different cultures, you do different things, get different innovations, continue to believe in your dreams, continue to just share your community,” artist and Creative Director Xavier Alvarado said. “Don’t be afraid to smile and smother. It’s about meeting with faith, belief or vision.”