Hundreds of middle schoolers gather for MLK March on West

Arizona State University Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies technical director Charles St. Clair recites Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech during the MLK March on West on Arizona State University’s West Campus, Jan. 18, 2017. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the Arizona State University West Campus held its annual MLK March on West Wednesday. Students, faculty and visitors gathered to honor King’s legacy by marching through campus, a tradition that dates back to 1991.

Charles St. Clair, a technical director at ASU, recited the “I Have a Dream” speech for the crowd, which primarily consisted of hundreds of sixth, seventh and eighth graders from 14 different Arizona schools.

“This particular event inspired me because Martin Luther King is close to my heart,” volunteer Karla Pope said. “I wanted to come and be a part and work with the kids and make an impact.”

Arizona State University senior Kyra Trent rings the bell signaling the start of the MLK March on West on ASU's West Campus in Glendale on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

Arizona State University senior Kyra Trent rings the bell signaling the start of the MLK March on West on ASU’s West Campus in Glendale on Wednesday. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

Students and volunteers march during the MLK March on West on the Arizona State West Campus in Glendale, Arizona on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

Students and volunteers march during the MLK March on West on the Arizona State West Campus in Glendale, Arizona on Wednesday. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

“This particular event inspired me because Martin Luther King is close to my heart,” Karla Pope said. “I wanted to come and be a part and work with the kids and make an impact.” (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

A student drum corps leads the MLK March on West on ASU's West Campus in Glendale on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

A student drum corps leads the MLK March on West on ASU’s West Campus in Glendale on Wednesday. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

Dean Marlene Tromp of ASU's New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences tells students they have something

Dean Marlene Tromp of ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences tells students they have something “precious to give to the world.” (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

Students and volunteers march during the MLK March on West on the Arizona State West Campus in Glendale on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)

Students and volunteers march during the MLK March on West on the Arizona State West Campus in Glendale on Wednesday. (Photo by Josh Orcutt/Cronkite News)