Members of the Austin community came together Saturday as many gathered for the annual MLK Festival, a celebration of unity, peace and the enduring legacy of the civil rights leader. Attendees enjoyed a day filled with great food, live music and vendors showcasing their local artwork and products.

In 1983, students at the University of Texas began the Texas Union African-American Culture Committee, also known as the AACC, to celebrate King’s dream. The organization continues to honor that mission to this day.

The AACC joined with Huston-Tillotson University in 1994 to put on the first ever city-wide march in January. In June of 1995, the Austin Area Heritage Council was established to oversee the planning of the city’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebrations.

“I believe Austin truly believes in coming together,” volunteer coordinator Para Agboga said. “I think that this area is really dedicated to equality, inequity and everybody having that shot at the American dream.”

The annual MLK march was canceled this year due to weather conditions, but that did not stop the community from coming together for this commemoration.

“For as much as I admire Dr. King, I was really motivated to see how many other people did as well,” Agboga stated.

The mission of the Austin Area Heritage Council is, “to encourage interest in all cultures represented in Austin and to celebrate the rich history of Austin,” according to their website. 

“The one thing I would like everyone here to leave with is to know that your dreams are achievable,” said Asia Haney, director of marketing for Huston-Tillotson University. “Coming together our motto at Huston-Tillotson University is ‘In Union, Strength’ and by us coming together whether it’s a small project, a big project, whether it’s trying to move policy or trying to pass a bill, whatever it may be, us coming together we can achieve all things.”