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Before the trombones and trumpets sounded, before the sun splashed through January's shadow, hundreds of Utahns, crammed into East High School's auditorium, leapt to their feet Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
They had come for a now-annual "marade," a combination march-parade staged by the University of Utah to celebrate the slain civil rights leader's legacy. But before stepping a foot onto the east-bench streets, the group was lifted by rousing song and lyrical speeches — inspired by a man known for advancing a dream of nonviolence and racial equality.
"This is truly a day on, not a day off," said Jennifer Williams Molock, the U.'s assistant vice president of student equity and diversity.
"As this new year begins, have you not only resolved to lose weight, but to lose hate?" she asked. "And keep it off."
Moments later, U. student Janzell Tutor again brought the room to its feet with a soaring rendition of "I Know Where I've Been" from the musical "Hairspray."
"It's my new home here. I'm inspired — I'm very excited," said David Parker,who moved to Salt Lake City from Pittsburgh in July to serve as associate director of the U.'s chapter of the National Center for Community of Caring. "We try to create atmospheres in schools like this across the state — where everyone is celebrated. It's exciting to see people together remembering the legacy of Dr. King."
But before the march-parade would start in earnest — and stop traffic trying to cross 1300 East — student Sasha Nicho offered a sober request. "This melting pot is not melting as it once has," said Nicho, this year's oratorical contest winner at the U. for MLK Day. "Let us go back to that melting-pot mind-set."
Despite the fair weather, this year's march to the U. began at East High instead of at Sugar House Park, which disappointed Salt Lake City'sNasheda Caudle. "I was surprised that the walk was shortened this year," she said. "But the cause is good."
Caudle had another qualm: "Honestly, I feel like we don't celebrate Malcolm Xenough, and you can quote me on that."
Even so, with nearly 300 in the auditorium and roughly 200 in the marade, organizers called it "heartening" that turnout appears to be up.
"So many people have taken the day off to be here when they could just stay at home," marveled Richard Nkansah, a graduate student at the U. studying chemistry. "They come to reflect on his speech and what it means."
"This amount of support definitely means something," agreed Jenay Christy, who is studying social work at the U.
Midway through the march, the sun made an appearance, while drivers stopped at intersections craned their necks curiously at the procession carrying black and red "King" placards. Unlike better-known downtown parades, it was clear the King event had nowhere near the same promotion.
"I wish it was more well-known," said resident Adam Smith, who was participating for the first time. "But it's cool."
Still, the celebration attracted entire families. Taking advantage of the state holiday and closed schools, parents surrounded by kids and strollers were a common sight Monday.
City resident Shannan Erickson, who listened to King's "I Have a Dream" speech on NPR on her drive there, said she learned about the marade from her brother, a U. employee. So she bundled her baby daughter and dressed her 3-year-old son for duty.
"It's important to make them aware of King's role," she said. "We need to remember that it wasn't easy."