Passing the torch to next generation

Diane Saffold arrived early for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial March, which was held under overcast skies Monday morning. And she brought a special participant with her - her granddaughter, Alija McNealy.

Ms. Saffold felt Monday’s events were a wonderful teaching moment for her granddaughter.

“I’m in a generation after most things (surrounding Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement) had taken place,” Ms. Saffold, 56, said. “I was in that era, but I was just a child. Today, I feel it’s very significant that my granddaughter gets to see evidence of what Dr. King did. As a Christian, I feel that is important - to know that his vision was based on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Ms. Saffold says the work of Dr. King and others opened doors for all races.

“We have rights and freedoms to march, to vote and more,” Ms. Saffold said.

In a somewhat twist of irony, Ms. Saffold operates a business in a district that was once closed to members of her race.

“I have a business, It’s Your Time (a beauty shop) in downtown Dothan,” Ms. Saffold said. “I couldn’t eat at the counter of Woolworth as a kid.”

Ms. Saffold says the Civil Rights Movement made that business opportunity possible. But, she cautions, there is more to be done.

“Time has really changed,” Ms. Saffold said as she discussed her business opportunity. “But, there is more to do. If we do it righteously, I believe we will be successful.”

Ms. Saffold says her granddaughter has an opportunity to learn from her life and, more importantly, to learn from history.

“One thing I really hope she learns is that, no matter what color your skin is, we’re all people,” Ms. Saffold said. “We all deserve the right to live where we want to live, to eat where we want to eat and more.”

The marchers traveled from the Piggly Wiggly parking lot to the Hawk-Houston Boys and Girls Club. The day’s events culminated with the Memorial Program, featuring the Rev. Reginald Jones, and the celebration of the Hawk-Houston Boys and Girls Club’s 45th anniversary of service to the youth of the community.