COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Linden community stepped up and stepped out to make their voices heard on MLK Day on Monday.
Community members both young and old marched for change along Cleveland Avenue more than 50 years after Martin Luther King Jr’s famous March on Washington.
Ralph Carter, has been a part of the Linden community almost all his life.
He founded We Are Linden in September of 2020 with the hope of providing a positive outlet for families and residents of Linden.
The Martin Luther King Day March was a symbol of the change he hopes to bring in 2021.
“We wanted to make a bold statement and we did just that. We were able to take control of the entire Cleveland Avenue and march to greatness. Just like Martin Luther King said, he pointed to the mountain top and then ran up. We pointed down the block and we went up,” Carter said.
The march concluded at the Point of Pride Building on 11th Avenue.
In the spirit of community, the event offered fellowship, music and a variety of speakers.
The nonprofit awarded two high school students the Life Changers Award.
L.B. Towns Jr. and Londale Towns Jr. were recognized for their positive impact on the community.
“I can just show people that there’s more than one way to help save lives and that it’s not all about being a hero … You can be a hero and just get out there and make a difference,” Londale Towns said.
L.B. Towns said that receiving the award on Martin Luther King’s Day made him want to continue being a force in his community.
“I’m showing like a reflection of what he did and how I can do it the same way,” L.B. Towns said.
Through snowy weather and a pandemic, Carter said the pride of the Linden community will continue to prevail.
“Just from Hudson all the way to 11th, from South Linden and all-around Linden, is pride,” Carter said.
Click here to find more upcoming events hosted by We Are Linden.
