The Marade — a combination of march and parade — began in 1984, with a goal of celebrating Martin Luther King’s legacy and the progress the world has made since his assassination, while also recognizing the work still needing to be done.

Quincy Shannon brings students of color from his school to the Marade each year and said teaching students of color in a system that often fails them is an overwhelming challenge.

“I’m just here serving as a bridge from the last generation who has trailblazed to the next generation who will have to take on the torch,” said Quincy Shannon, dean of students at the DSST: Green Valley Ranch.

Read the full Rocky Mountain PBS article here.