On the third Monday of January, communities across the United States observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, joined in honoring both Martin Luther King Jr. and the state’s history with Wyoming Equality Day, Wyoming News Now reports.
The celebration took place at the Cheyenne Depot and included a variety of activities, including speeches, performances, and prayer sessions, all designed to bring the community together in reflection and solidarity.
The event featured numerous speakers who highlighted Dr. King’s legacy and the importance of equality. One of the speakers, F.E. Warren Air Force Base Chief Master Sergeant Nicholas Taylor, shared his reflections on King’s life through his original poetry, which he titled “Dream Cheyenne Dream.” His moving piece emphasized the power of dreams and unity, and was well received by the crowd.
Municipal Court Judge Ronn Jeffrey also addressed the attendees, expressing his belief that the true meaning of the day lies not only in discussions but in taking action.
“It’s not about what we talk about, it’s about what we do, and I think that’s why we’re all here. We all want to improve the lives of everyone,” he remarked.
Judge Jeffrey also highlighted the diversity of the crowd, noting that it was encouraging to see such wide-ranging support for the celebration. His favorite part of the event, he said, was Chief Master Taylor’s speech, which left a lasting impact.
Event coordinator Mercedes C. Brooks-Hunt spoke about the significance of the day, explaining that the march and celebration were designed as a “march of solidarity” to unite the Cheyenne community and express love and gratitude for Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights.
“We want to pass on the torch to our young people,” she added.
A key part of the ceremony also included discussions about the history of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Wyoming. Liz Byrd, the first Black woman in the Wyoming Legislature, was recognized for her pivotal role in making the holiday a reality in the state. Byrd introduced a bill to honor King, which faced numerous setbacks before being approved in the early 1990s. The bill was ultimately passed when Wyoming Equality Day was added to the title after multiple attempts.
