Blackshear commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the customary annual parade. Approximately 100 spectators stretched out along the parade route with the majority gathered along the sidewalk in front of Wall’s IGA.
A wide variety of churches and faith based groups formed the traditional backbone of the yearly march, including Union Chapel, Zion Baptist Church, New Beginnings Fellowship Church, Evergreen Church, the Order of the Eastern Star and others. Signs for Evergreen Church bore the motto “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation—the Non-Violent Way.”
The Pop-A-Top Riders were present, carrying the slogan “We ride for justice, love, peace, unity.” The turn out of viewers was not as large as in previous years, but the bitter cold temperatures probably had something to do with that. Similarly, in an excess of caution about ice on the roads, Pierce County High School’s Sound of Silver marching band canceled their participation via a text announcement the preceding Sunday afternoon.
