Atlanta

MLK events take on political tone after Twitter feud

ATLANTA — Hundreds of people across the metro took to the streets to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights for which he gave his life.

Some of the events to honor King were overshadowed by political fighting between President-elect Donald Trump and Rep. John Lewis, D-Atlanta.

On Saturday, Lewis criticized the incoming president, and the president-elect sent out a series of highly critical tweets.

A church service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church Monday, held to remember Dr. King, turned very political in light of the Twitter feud.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders didn't stop to talk with Channel 2’s Richard Elliot as he hustled out of Ebenezer Baptist Church but inside, he criticized politicians who he believes pay lip service to Dr. King's legacy.

“For politicians to be saying nice words about Dr. King today at the same time they are suppressing the vote, making it harder for black people and poor people to participate in our democracy,” Sanders said.

But Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed did speak after the church service ended.

He addressed the series of tweets sent by Trump criticizing Lewis' district, which runs through the heart of the city.

“I think it was ill-informed and I certainly don't think the city of Atlanta or the people of the 5th Congressional District deserve that kind of discourtesy or disrespect,” Reed told Elliot.

Reed pointed out that Trump praised the city 10 years ago when he planned to build two tall towers there. He also questioned the president-elect's timing.

“I think it's unfortunate, but it's really more important that he thought it appropriate to have this conversation with Congressman John Lewis, an American hero, on the weekend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Reed said

During the service, King's daughter, Bernice, also spoke about trying to get both sides to start listening to each other.

“We can't keep on not talking to each other, not communicating with each other, just because we think differently,” King said.

Reed said listening to both sides is something he's ready to do.

“I'm not going to let this steal our joy. I'm going to respectfully respond to the president-elect and then we're just going to turn the page,” Reed said.

The service celebrated what would have been Dr. King's 88th birthday.

People lined the streets of downtown Atlanta throughout the day, marching and rallying in the name of Dr. King.

Marchers told Channel 2’s Carl Will that now, as much as ever, the message of unity is vital.

Grandparents such as Dianne Seieu, who brought her 7-year-old granddaughter to the MLK Day march and rally, said she uses this time to teach about how things used to be and how far we've come in terms of civil rights.

“Dr. King is real to me," Seieu told Willis.

Hundreds marched down Peachtree Street, and hundreds more watched as they chanted and sang in memory of Dr. King.

"It makes me excited to be out here celebrating his birthday," Tori Williamson said.

Willis also saw plenty of people speaking out and coming to the defense of Lewis over his Twitter exchange with Trump.

Judy Winograu dismissed the claims.

“We are more alike than we are different, and nonviolent resistance works every time. I'm convinced of that,” Winograu said.

"We have to work collectively if we're going to have any meaning in this world," Seieu said.

The annual march and rally has been around since before the MLK national holiday, with the late Rev. James Orange organizing the first celebrations.

In north Fulton County, dozens of people attended an annual tribute at the Sandy Springs City Hall.

The service included inspirational tributes from diverse speakers. Civil rights icon Xernona Clayton was the keynote speaker.

This was the 11th year for the service.

In Gwinnett County, dozens of people took part in a parade. The theme for this year was Striving for Excellence: Awareness, Education and Service.

The celebration started with a program at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

In DeKalb County, hundreds took part in the 15th annual MLK parade.

The theme for this year's parade was Remembering Dream, Honoring the Dreamer.

Five high school bands took part in the celebration.

Participants said celebrations such as this one are a good way for people to remember their history.