Kannapolis holds MLK celebration despite cold
Published 12:03 am Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Prince Hall Masons/OES donned their best attire to participate in the MLK Jr. Dream Day parade in Kannapolis. ES
Members of a local vehicle group showed off a bit in Kannapolis' Dream Day parade for Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday. ES
A Jeep was part of a local vehicle group that participated in celebrating MLK Day in the Dream Parade in Kannapolis. ES
A number of service brotherhoods and sisterhoods participated in the annual MLK parade in Kannapolis Monday. ES
Monday was cold but it didn't stop several dance groups from stepping lively in the Dream Day parade in Kannapolis. ES
A number of organizations, including the First Congregational United Church of Christ, came out to help celebrate, support and carry on the dream of Martin Luther King Jr Monday in the MLK Dream Day parade in Kannapolis. ES
In an effort to stay warm members of one of the participating civic and service organizations picked up a football game beside city hall following the Dream Day parade honoring Martin Luther King Jr. ES
A crowd of more than 200 attended Monday's Dream Day parade and activities and listened to local leaders honor the day outside city hall in Kannapolis. ES
Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant reads the city's MLK Day proclamation following the parade Monday at about noon. ES
AKA Sorority was one of several service organizations to provide information following the Dream Day parade in Kannapolis Monday for MLK Day. ES
Beta Mu Lambda chapter was on hand at Monday's MLK Day event in Kannapolis at city hall. ES
The council room inside and the outer hallway at Kannapolis city hall was filled with tables from various organizations and businesses on Monday as part of the MLK Day. The theme for this year was "Judged not by skin, but by character." ES
Two pieces of artwork that, together, create a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. was available for attendees at the Dream Day parade and activities fair at Kannapolis city hall Monday. Many not only painted portions of the portrait, but added their names to the pieces. ES
KANNAPOLIS — Despite cold temperatures exacerbated by wind chill, more than 200 people came out to watch the The Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Day Parade in the city Monday morning, followed by activities indoors and out.
The parade, which stepped off at 11 a.m., was comprised of a variety of local cheer and dance teams, marching bands, civic organizations, car groups and businesses. The parade began at the intersection of Main Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and traveled down Main Street to Laureate Way, ending at city hall. As the parade drew to a close, attendees were invited inside to visit a number of organizations including service groups, businesses and city and county organizations to gather information about assistance, about classes and about membership, among other offerings. The organizations were on hand from noon til 3 p.m., and during that time, a number of city and county leaders took a moment to speak to recognize the day, including Kannapolis Mayor Darrel Hinnant, who read the city’s proclamation honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Attendees were invited to participate in an art project as well, by painting portions of two pieces of art that together represent a portrait of King. Not only did many stop to add some color to the painting, but to add their names to the piece.
Photos by Elisabeth Strillacci
