By by Kerry Whipple Bean – publisher
Robert Hardy watched Brewton's Martin Luther King Jr. parade Saturday with some extra enthusiasm this year - knowing that in two days, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the first African-American president.
Floats from several Brewton area churches and organizations honored both King and Obama.
For many participating,, the event was special because of the close connection of King's birthday and Obama's inauguration.
Children carried signs bearing King and Obama's photos and reading “I have a dream; I am the dream.”
Other floats recalled events in King's life and the Civil Rights movement.
The transition from King's assassination at the height of the fight for civil rights to the eve of Obama's inauguration 41 years later shows how far the country has come, spectators said.
Lillie Dove, watching the parade from U.S. 31 downtown, said it was important to celebrate the contributions of King and Obama - and all of the African-Americans who have made a difference with inventions and other advances throughout U.S. history.
Dove attended college in Montgomery and lived not far from the King family. She often saw him with his children.
Watson said he was pleased with the parade turnout this year.