Message from Gloria Ray, MLK March Chairperson

Gloria Ray (photo)
2007 MLK March Chair

Thank you for your continuing support of all we do for the MLK Commission.

There have been conflicting accounts of just how many marchers came out. The numbers range anywhere from 30k to 60k people who braved the cold to take a stand and march for Martin. It all depends on who was doing the counting.

Whatever the count, the March itself was an amazing testimony to the indomitable spirit of the people of San Antonio that so many were willing to suffer the considerable discomfort of cold and rain to march for Martin, no matter what.

The miracle of the day was that not one drop of rain fell on the marchers that day. It rained all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as Monday morning. Just before that March kicked off, the precipitation miraculously stopped as if held back by the hand of God. Also, a temperature of 30 degrees or less had been predicted for Monday morning.

If that had occurred, the streets would have been icy and travel advisories would have forced our citizens to stay home. But, as God is the great God that He is, the temperature did not dip to the freezing point. So the streets were safe. The people could come out. And come out they did. They marched on through the cold. We had people is wheel chairs that came out ANYWAY.

It was a marvelous sight to behold - the dedication and commitment of the people of this great city. Our people are our strength and they are wonderful.

Other cities who were hit by this wintry blast cancelled their MLK events.

San Antonio persevered. We marched on through the storm and the storm saw our devotion and determination and receded in the face of our faith. And, the rains stopped. It was almost as it was when Moses parted the Red Sea so the people of Israel could walk through on dry land. We, too, marched on under dry skies. It was indeed an MLK day miracle. And, I am grateful.

Our civic leaders are to be commended for their support and commitment to the ideals of Martin. The Mayor, City manager, Chief of Police, City Council Members, County Commissioners, State Representatives and Senators, National Congressional leaders - leaders at all levels - former, current and future aspirants - were walking arm in arm in solidarity as a testimony to the ideals of Martin and the unity of our community.

But most importantly, I am awed by the dogged determination and commitment of the MLK Commission unpaid volunteers who work all year long to make this march happen. They gave thousands of hours of their unpaid volunteer labor to make this March happen.

Some of them worked through the night and in the rain to make it all come together. 2007 was an unusually trying year for us all because of the weather. Many emergency changes and redirections had to be to accomplished to make this March a success. And, it was a success.

The City Staff at every level and MLK Commission members worked together as one body to make it possible for us not to lose this extraordinary community building event that has become a part of our historical tapestry and has become such an important part of the expectations of the people of San Antonio - from all walks of life.

I am amazed. I am awed. I am proud to be a native born daughter of this magnificent place I call home. This city is like no other. We are a city that exalts or heritage. We embrace our diversity. And, we celebrate our community.

I love San Antonio and all the people who work so hard to make it a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Gloria Ray
2007 MLK March Chairman