Mesa Men’s Basketball Participate in 24th annual East Valley MLK Day Parade

Mesa, AZ - This past Monday morning, to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., the Mesa men's basketball team took to the streets of downtown Mesa to march in the 24th annual East Valley MLK Day Parade. The parade route went along Center Street to First Street and North Robson.

"Often we don't think about the daily sacrifices people make for us and often we don't think about those who have transformed the world like Dr. King in the Civil Rights Movement," said MCC Interim Men's Basketball Head Coach Jimmy Herrera. "It was an honor for our program to be a part of the parade. It gets us all thinking about more than just ourselves and being a part of something great; the Mesa community."

The parade's theme this year was, "Tomorrow is Today." Following the parade, there was a festival that lasted from 12 pm to 4 pm at Main Street and South Macdonald. Annual celebrations in Mesa were created after residents voted to establish a citywide holiday recognizing the former leadership of King in 1996.

"What an honor it was to participate in the 24th annual City of Mesa Martin Luther King parade," said MCC Director of Athletics John Mulhern. "Our men's basketball program and myself joined forces with the Travis Manion Foundation, to honor Dr. King's life, and his commitment to character, bravery and change."  

The Thunderbirds return to the court this Saturday, when they travel to Douglas to face Cochise College. The Apaches are currently ranked 24th in the latest NJCAA DI Men's Basketball National Poll and sport a 19-1 overall record, to go along with a spotless 10-0 record in ACCAC action. Tip time for Saturday's game is set for 7:30pm.

Don't forget to check out the MCC Team Shop, as well as our Booster Club.