Thousands gather in South LA for Kingdom Day Parade

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Kingdom Day Parade draws thousands to South LA
Thousands of people gathered in South Los Angeles on Monday for the 30th annual Kingdom Day Parade, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of people gathered in South Los Angeles on Monday for the 30th annual Kingdom Day Parade, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The parade is Southern California's largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance. The theme of this year's parade was "Love and respect, let it begin with me."

Among the parade-goers was Evelyn Knight, who marched in Selma, Alabama, with King 50 years ago.

Metro entered a replica of the bus that Rosa Parks was in when she refused to give up her seat in 1955.

There were more than 3,000 participants, including marching bands, drill teams and dance groups. Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson served as this year's grand marshal.

"This is about lifting everyone, and we want to deliver that message to whoever listens," Wesson said.

PHOTOS: Martin Luther King, Jr. honored in South LA parade