Big Island community celebrates MLKʻs words, legacy along Kamehameha Avenue

East Hawaiʻi Indivisible marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, with a public celebration along Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo.

About 250 people peacefully gathered on the oceanside of the roadway to honor the civil rights leadersʻ legacy and center the day on King’s own message, organizers said.

“As much as we could, we tried to keep it to Dr. King’s own words,” said Terry McDonald, a leader with East Hawaiʻi Indivisible.

“It started with our own BBB, Big Beautiful Billboard, with his famous quote: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ ” McDonald said.

Participants also carried a wide range of handmade signs, ranging from earnest and creative to humorous, with a small number using more coarse language.

Weather conditions shifted throughout the event, alternating between overcast skies and periods of rain. Organizers said the changing weather did little to dampen turnout or enthusiasm among the diverse crowd.

The event featured music from the 1960s, with frequent honks from passing drivers and signage highlighting quotes and themes from King’s speeches and writings.

As Dr. King stated: “It is always the right time to do the right thing and bring the light.” 

“Today we brought the light,” McDonald said.