The community made its trek down Court Street for the annual Symbolic MLK March.
(Seguin) — Seguin’s five-day Martin Luther King Jr. celebration concluded Monday morning with the annual Symbolic March, drawing residents together for a reminder of unity, reflection, and commitment to Dr. King’s “enduring vision.”
The march which began at Texas Lutheran University concluded in downtown Seguin for a special gathering of music and prayer. Serving as guest speaker was Pastor Rev. Dr. Gary Roberts of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in San Antonio, who shared a message of faith, courage, and collective responsibility. Roberts, who moved to Seguin five years ago with his wife Sheila, says he is proud to live in a community whose spirit aligns closely with Dr. King’s legacy.
Roberts says Seguin’s MLK celebration is a living testimony rather than a completed chapter.
“This celebration that we are having today tells a story – not a finished story but a story that is still being written and we must be a part of it, and we can only do it with God’s help and direction. God keeps his word and he’s going to be with us and we need not be fearful but trust him, work with one another, love one another in spite of and God’s going to give us the victory and so, each of us have to sacrifice in one way or another but the sacrifice is worth it,” said Roberts.
Roberts says his message, of course, takes into account current challenges facing the nation, “urging unity and faith as guiding principles.”
“We are standing for injustices and some of the changes that are going on in our country that is not American and is not biblical and so we want to encourage everyone – let’s stand together. Trust God. Let’s work together and watch him work things out,” said Roberts.
Roberts says hearing the message is easy. Being a part of the change, however, takes a little work.
“Coming together like today is the first step and secondly, trusting God. You know, we grew up with the Pledge of Allegiance, singing God Bless America – even our money ‘In God We Trust’ — all these things. I think we have to get back to the basics again and trust in God, worshiping and loving one another and that’s a simple and good way to start,” said Roberts.
Roberts says he also couldn’t help but praise the local leadership and commitment behind Seguin’s MLK celebration, noting its impact on the community.
“They are visionaries. I think I heard that Pastor Malone started this some years ago and for them to carry it on, it reflects the hearts of this community, the love that they have for one another and I’ve been at a couple of workshop services this year, activities in the city and it speaks about the quality of people who live here in Seguin,” said Robert.
Monday’s Symbolic MLK March wrapped up what organizers say is still one of the largest and longest-running MLK celebrations in Texas. The annual celebration is organized by the Seguin–Guadalupe County MLK Day Planning Committee.
The celebration began Thursday evening with the Baptist Ministers Union Service at Second Baptist Church. Friday featured a Choir Showcase at the Seguin ISD Performing Arts Center. On Saturday, the community gathered at the Seguin Coliseum for the annual MLK Banquet and Dinner Theater. It was followed on Sunday with the Gospel Fest at New St. James Baptist Church.
Organizers say the five-day observance is designed to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy while inspiring continued service, justice, and love within the community.