There’s an issue in St. Petersburg that has been festering for a while–and it has nothing to do with The Pier or the Rays. It’s about honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It’s also, alas, about egos and threats.
The annual MLK parade was started by Sevell Brown more than two decades ago. Over the years, the parade has spawned accompanying, post-parade parties that have been called inappropriate by some–including State Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg. Something about liquor and loudness not being civil rights. A day of service has been proposed by Rouson for the Monday holiday, with the proviso that the parade be moved to Saturday.
A compromise, of sorts, has been reached. Next year there will be both–on MLK Day. It’s one form of remembrance too many.
Arguably, there is no dearth of parade rationales or drum-line occasions–let alone after-hours party opportunities. But days of service–in a society too familiar with outsourcing it–are rare. As rare as an iconic martyr’s ideal of justice.
The King legacy is one of hope. It’s also sobering. Let’s keep it that way.