Tulsans 'Walk In Peace' To Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

"It's just a beautiful thing to see people of all races and all backgrounds just coming together in unity and celebrate Dr. King's legacy," Harry said.

Sunday, January 19th 2014, 10:23 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsans 'Walk In Peace' To Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

The annual MLK Walk In Peace event took place in downtown Tulsa on Sunday afternoon.

Beginning at 5:15 p.m. at Seventh Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard, the walk began toward Boston Avenue Methodist Church, where a commemorative service was held.

"This march, this walk in peace is a reflection truly of the values of Tulsa," prosecutor Steve Kunzweiler said.

It was a walk of cheer and joy.

"I just couldn't imagine living in that area and I think that I'm so grateful for those who paved the way," Kesia Harry said.

It was a walk for a community coming together.

"The Martin Luther King holiday every year is a chance to reflect back on the things we've gone through and the benefits that we now have," Pleas Thompson of the MLK Commemoration Society said.

"Everyone enjoys because of the efforts that he did back when he was alive."

All races and all walks of life are remembering the life of King.

"I think it helps to heal the nation as a whole because we want to look forward, but sometimes we have to look backwards in order to see where we have come and I think it reminds people that the dream still exists," Thompson said.

"It's just a beautiful thing to see people of all races and all backgrounds just coming together in unity and celebrate Dr. King's legacy," Harry said.

This walk was also a time for the community to heal.

In December, Jake England and Alvin Watts were both sentenced to life in prison after they pleaded guilty to shooting and killing black victims at random in North Tulsa.

"The victims are never going to be able to walk in this walk in peace, but a community rallied around that time," Kunzweiler said.

The walk was a step in closing a dark chapter in Tulsa's history, he said.

"…I think the character of a community is definitely stronger than the prejudice of individuals," Kunzweiler said.