LOXLEY, Ala. — On Aug. 28, 1963, The Rev. Martin Luther King stood on a podium near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and told the crowd that he “had a dream.”

According to the New York Times, “President John F. Kennedy praised the marchers’, ‘deep fervor and the quiet dignity’ that had characterized the demonstration.”

That dream is alive and well, and members of the Loxley Area Action Group plan to commemorate King’s message with a march down Highway 59 in Loxley. The march will be held on Monday, Jan.19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“There will be about 100 of us,” said Ronnie McBride Jr., one of the group’s organizers, adding that this will be the fourth year for the event.

The march, according to Gloria Autry, chairperson of the group, will begin at 9 a.m. and will proceed from the Loxley Church of God down Highway 59 to the Loxley Civic Center.

“We’re doing this because he sacrificed his life for us,” said Autry.

“We’re doing this so young people will know what it took to get this state and nation right,” said Larry Davis of Loxley, another member of the organizing group.

Organizers say that groups sympathetic to their cause are welcome to join them on the march.

“Just show up. Be at the church, ready to march,” said McBride. Groups that wish to confirm their attendance should all (251) 550-7528 and speak to McBride.

“The most important part is that people of all different races come together to honor Dr. King,” said Carla Davis of Loxley.

“We have people from different communities coming together,” said McBride.

After the parade, there will be a speaking program led by James Lowe Jr., the third president of Bishop State Community College. at the Loxley Civic Center. Lowe was appointed president of the college last May by the Alabama State Board of Education. The speaking program is slated to begin at 10 a.m. Lowe’s speech is titled, “We Made it" Making a Difference, Changing the World.

Refreshments will be served after the program, Autry said.

According to McBride, the program will also include plays, dancing, and singing.

On Jan. 20, one of King’s goals will be reached as Barack Obama, the nation’s first African-American president is inaugurated.

“I would like to see that,’ said Larry Davis.

While the adults were focused on the history and reasons for the march, 9-year-old Elisha Davis was focused on the fun.

“I’m excited,’ sad the Loxley Elementary student. “I am gong to have my friends march with me as well.”