Photo by: Justin Edmonds

Not even the bitter cold, wind and snow could discourage University of Denver students from showing their pride alongside at least six University of Denver organizations at the 23rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade, or marade.

Holding their DU banner, the crimson-and-gold contingent joined more than 2,500 marchers in yesterday’s celebration of King’s birthday. The annual parade in Denver is one of the largest in the country and is attended by numerous community organizations.

“It’s nice to see so many people brave the cold because they’re passionate about marching for the cause,” said freshman Cameron Lewis.

“It’s really good seeing people go through this for something they believe in,” said junior Stephanie Hay. “The gathering has gotten bigger every year.”

Hundreds of marchers gathered in City Park at the Martin Luther King Jr. statue to hear speakers. They braved snow, wind and temperatures below nine degrees. Among the marchers was a small group of DU students on a trip arranged by Negin Sobhani of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning. The march ran down Colfax Avenue and ended in Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.

“We did this last year,” said Sobhani. “It’s something our office has done for a few years running.”

Among the initial speakers were Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

“It’s fitting to do this,” said Ritter to the assembled marchers, “To celebrate with prayer, song and voices.”

“This is the coldest marade ever,” said Hickenlooper, “but it is also the warmest, because your presence here has warmed my spirit.”

The ceremonies placed an emphasis on interfaith cooperation. The featured prayers were led by both Christian and Muslim community leaders.

The American national anthem and the first verse of the Negro National anthem were sung.

Many of the marchers carried signs with a political bent. Along with anti-war slogans, many contained endorsements for various presidential candidates, with the strongest showing from the Clinton and Obama camps.

The signs carried by DU students had slogans drawing attention to humanitarian crises in Kenya.

The weather did eventually take its toll on the small group from DU.

“I’m cold,” said sophomore Katia Gedrath-Smith when asked for a comment. “I can’t think because I’m so cold.”

“I can’t feel my face,” said sophomore Sarah Brown.

Despite harsh conditions, spirits remained high among the marchers. Those in attendance could be heard singing, chanting and joking among themselves as they prepared to return home to DU.25