ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision for equality were celebrated throughout the downtown streets of St. Petersburg.

The civil rights visionary and Nobel Peace Prize recipient moved mountains and broke down barriers during the civil rights era.

On Monday, the sound of music filled the air as the Florida A&M University Marching 100 band corralled thousands of people who watched on from the sidelines.

The day of celebration was a source of inspiration to families who recognize that Dr. King’s dream for a unified country continues to live on.

“Today means unity family, friends, and community,” Tamaria Leon said.

“It means love no matter who you are, where you’re from, what you look like, what you’re wearing,” said a parade attendee. “It’s just love.”

The Rock family attends the MLK parade in St. Petersburg every year as a family tradition.

Jean Rock remembered Dr. King moving mountains and breaking down barriers during the civil rights era.

She said his fight for justice inspired her to make strides in her career at a time when Black women weren’t offered the opportunity to seek higher education.

Rock was an eyewitness to the setbacks that stemmed from segregation and discrimination.

“Where you go to school, where you go to eat, you don’t have to go to one certain place,” said Jean Rock. “You can go anywhere you want to go now.”

Rock defeated the odds.  She graduated from Livingstone College in 1961 and went on to become a schoolteacher in North Carolina for 35 years.

“I was born a long time ago and I’ve seen better change for everybody,” said Jean Rock. “There’s going to be a better chance for everyone.”

Rock’s perseverance continues to inspire her four granddaughters who are on a mission to reach their full potential.

“Someone has a dream not to just fight for their kids but for all kids,” said McKenzie Rock. “That’s what I want to do, is fight for all.”

Dr. King also fought for city workers.

“An opportunity for us to remember all the great things he did,” said St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway.  “We need to make sure we continue to keep doing what we’re doing in our community.”

“Years of sacrifice, years of oppression, and all the things Dr. King did to get us where we are,” said a firefighter with St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.

The Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band traveled from Tallahassee to participate as a featured guest at the MLK parade.  Their talents and charisma took the event to new heights.

”The band is known for their powerful performances and electrifying sound,” St. Petersburg officials said in a statement. “The FAMU Marching Band is one of the most prestigious and recognized bands in the country. Their participation undoubtedly made this year’s parade an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief Watts was also named 2025 Grand Marshal.

“Chief Watts, whose leadership and dedication to public service exemplifies the values Dr. King championed, was recently sworn in as St. Petersburg’s first Black fire chief.” said officials in a statement. ”We were honored to have him lead this year’s parade as we pay tribute to Dr. King’s extraordinary legacy.”