SEASIDE >> Children held up signs expressing love and many of their elders chanted slogans of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as they participated in the traditional march down Broadway Avenue, also known as Obama Way, and rally in Seaside honoring King on Monday.

The annual march was hosted by the Monterey County Black Caucus and the city of Seaside. The event was originated over 30 years ago by the sorority Delta Sigma Theta. This year, the fraternity Omega Psi Phi organized the marching groups and oversaw set up. The theme of the march this year was “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.”

“It’s great to see his memory honored, our life is heavily influenced by him,” said Bruce Merchant, one of the marchers. “Honoring love and honoring diversity, especially now, is important for America.”

Morris McDaniel, 89, is a member of Omega Psi Phi. His wife, Bobbie McDaniel, was a member of Delta Sigma Theta, who helped start the march over 30 years ago. He has attended the event every year since.

“It’s quite exciting that people still remember and come out to celebrate Dr. King,” he said.

He and his fraternity brothers roamed the parking lot during the hours of setup for the parade, spray painting numbers on the pavement and assigning each organization a spot.Morbeautiful Maple is a community member who says she comes to the march every year. She says King has had a significant influence on her family.

“I want to teach my grandkids what he has done for us, the rights we have, and we are here to honor his legacy,” she said.

The Monterey chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s first African-American sorority, marched at the front of the parade, right behind four Junior ROTC members.

“To march in a movement like this today is a culmination of years of work,” said Shenae Morrow, Alpha Kappa Alpha member. Following them was the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, whose members originated the march.

“It’s a day not only of commemoration but also just of service,” said Lori Medina, a member of Delta Sigma Theta.

Vanya Quiñones, president of Cal State Monterey Bay, also marched and recalled how educational institutions are a center of service.

“Marches like these remind you that grassroots are important,” she said.

For some marchers, coming together in remembrance of King was a comforting moment during a turbulent political time. Joan Jeffers McCleary held a sign proclaiming “I marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. April 23, 1965, in Boston, Mass.”

“It was so moving,” she said, remembering the experience. She found it was both comforting and emotional to see the crowd gathered in Seaside. “It’s reassuring during these difficult times,” she said. “I think being here is a statement.”

For Sarah Holder, Alpha Kappa Alpha president, the march is a reminder to keep progressing, even when it’s difficult.

“Sometimes it feels like we’re going backward,” she said. “We want to make sure that we remember we have a reason and a purpose.”

The marchers left the parking lot in a straight line and took to the street at noon. The SeaSiders Classic Car Club brought up the rear, playing music ranging from disco to Kendrick Lamar. The march ended at the Oldemeyer Center, where a program honoring King followed.

“We have to keep his dream alive,” Holder said, “that we are all created equal.”