The flickering candles during Monday night's march reminded Ball State University senior Kenny Daniels that the fight to abolish racism hasn't died.
It just hasn't been as strong as it could be.
"A lot of people are not aware of the things Martin Luther King tried to implement," Daniels said, recalling the incidences of racism that occurred on campus last semester. "The main reason why (racism) is probably happening is because people are not as diverse as we thought."
Daniels, president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, was one of about 40 Ball State students and Muncie residents who marched from City Hall to Christ Temple Church, where participants sang "We Shall Overcome" and an annual city-wide service allowed hundreds to celebrate King under the theme, "Embracing the Dream...in the Spirit of Unity."
At City Hall, twice the number of marchers as last year took turns lighting the candles of those standing beside them, symbolizing how one person can make a difference, said Derick Virgil, director of the Multicultural Center.
"What we would like you to get from this demonstration is that there are people who came before us who sacrificed more than you'll ever have to, to get the rights that we now enjoy," Virgil said.
Ball State President Jo Ann Gora said she remembered growing up during the civil rights era and recalled King's march on Washington and when the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was introduced.
"I even remember when Rosa Parks took her stand, and I think today's generation is just far removed from that time," Gora said.
As she looked around, she emphasized the need for young people to continue keeping King's legacy alive.
"If you look around, most of the people here are of my generation as opposed to your generation, so I think it's important to remember the contributions Dr. King made," Gora said.
That's why junior Devin Day, president of the Black Student Association, helped plan the march. He said he was pleased with the turnout, which improved over last year probably because of Monday night's 40-degree weather, compared with last year's 11-degree temperatures.
"I wouldn't say racism is completely abolished," Day said. "We still have some obstacles to overcome. We made it this far, but it's always important that we remember."
At Christ Temple Church, Congressman Mike Pence recognized the late Rosa Parks - "the Martha Washington of the civil rights movement" - and honored King for his commitment to nonviolence, the democratic process, engagement and activism.
Before the city-wide choir sang "The Star Spangled Banner," Pastor Kevin Woodgett of the Church of The Living God emphasized the importance of liberty in America.
"It is very important because this is supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave," Woodgett said.
So the question is whether racism in the United States will ever come to an end.
"Sooner or later," said Daniels, who has even encouraged the university to implement a diversity class to counteract last semester's racist incidents. "But everything takes time."
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