San Antonio’s MLK Day March Expands to Nation’s Largest Demonstration of Unity

San Antonio’s annual MLK Day march—started in 1968 with 10 participants—has grown into one of the country’s largest civil rights demonstrations, drawing hundreds of thousands along a three-mile East Side route. Backed by the city for decades, the event emphasizes diversity, unity, and nonviolent protest, with participation from schools, community groups, and various supporters, plus VIA buses helping move crowds to the starting points.