LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bitter cold weather and snowfall did not stop the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for one West Louisville church.

What You Need To Know

  • Monday was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

  • In West Louisville, a church held its annual celebration to honor King’s life and legacy

  • The church’s pastor marched alongside King in Louisville and Alabama

At King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, area residents, clergy members and elected leaders packed the wooden pews Monday. The service was led by Rev. Dr. Charles Elliott Jr., who’s been the church’s pastor for over 60 years.

Elliott also marched alongside King in Louisville and in Alabama.

“I remember when there was the police and they dogs and water hoses was on us Black folks,” Elliott said. “But when I look today and saw police directing the traffic and making sure we get here safe, well then you know we have come a long way.”

This year representatives from the state and city of Louisville were among those who spoke. It was also attended by hopeful civic leaders who shared why it was important to be here.

“We need the older generations to teach the younger generations, and you can’t have that unless you get them all together, to have fellowship together,” Michael Churchill, Democratic candidate for State Sen. District 33, said.

Elliot adds this celebration helps keep the message that King gave his life preaching for, alive, “God allowed me to live to see that dream become a reality.”

Correction: A previous version of this story identified Michael Churchill as a Democratic candidate for District 30. He is a Democratic candidate for District 33. This error has been corrected. (Jan. 16, 2024)

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