Despite a back-and-forth between city and Unity Group officials over the weekend about the fate of the MLK march and parade in downtown Chattanooga, hundreds of people turned out at noon Monday, braving freezing temperatures for the dedication of the new mural on the AT&T building on M. L. King Boulevard.
Before addressing a questioning crowd - wondering why, in fact, the annual MLK Day parade was moved from M. L. King Boulevard this year - at Monday's mural dedication, Mayor Andy Berke rebutted Unity Group accusations that the city used "procedural roadblocks and political maneuvering" to stop the MLK Day march and parade this year.
The Unity Group was founded in 1969 and has sponsored the MLK Day march and parade along M. L. King Boulevard in downtown Chattanooga since 1970.
This year, a parade will take place in Brainerd, but not on M. L. King Boulevard.
Over the weekend, Unity Group officials said the city waited until 48 hours before the scheduled parade to inform them there were "loose ends" in preparations.
Unity Group officials also claimed the city was retaliating against them for inviting Rev. Jeremiah Wright - controversial and outspoken Chicago minister who came to fame as President Barack Obama's former pastor - to last year's MLK Day events.
City officials, meanwhile, say the annual, Unity Group-sponsored M.L. King Boulevard parade actually had the proper permitting and insurance, and that the Unity Group was asked to head up this year's downtown parade again, but Unity Group officials denied to do so.
This story is developing. Stay with the Times Free Press for updates.
Information for parade marchers
PARKING: Marchers can park at any of the three parking lots of Ridgeview Baptist Church located at 6 N. Moore Road (two lots are connected to the church and one is located across the street behind McDonald's). The parking lots will be open at 1 PM. FOR GROUPS: If you have a large organization or need a space to march together, please plan to arrive at 1:45 PM. Look for the Fire Truck, which will be parked at Ridgeview Baptist Church. Check in at the Information Table to be assigned a space. FOR INDIVIDUAL MARCHERS: If you are interested in marching, please plan to arrive at 2:45 PM to begin to march at 3 PM. ROUTE: The route will remain as planned by the Unity Group, with lineup between Waffle House and Ridgeview Baptist Church. The March will begin at 3 PM at the intersection of North Moore Road and Brainerd Road. The March will proceed on North Moore Road to Brainerd High School. For a google map of the March route, click here. AFTER THE MARCH: The March will end in the parking lot of Brainerd High School, where participants are encouraged to attend the Main Event, hosted by the Unity Group. Following that event, there will be CARTA buses available to take people back to their vehicles. BUS SERVICE: CARTA bus service will be available for those who need assistance and wish to participate in the March. Bus service begins with boarding at 2:15 PM from Ridgeview Baptist Church. Buses return to Ridgeview Baptist Church from Brainerd High School at 7 PM after the Main Event. *Information provided by the city of Chattanooga