Controversy looms over annual Dr. MLK Jr. parade and march in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – Controversy hoovers over Chattanooga on a day when most people find ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Every year since 1970, the Unity Group of Chattanooga has sponsored the Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Day parade and march, but this year the Unity Group boycotted the parade after a disagreement with city hall.

The parade went on as planned but not along the traditional route of ML King Blvd. which also created even more controversy.

It was 3 O’clock in the afternoon and ML King Blvd had its usual foot and car traffic. The only thing missing was the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Junior celebration march and parade. That alone generated mixed reactions.

"Most of the citizens; black and white have constantly called me and wanting the parade or march to be on ML King Blvd. That’s the number one complaint I’ve heard from all the citizens in Chattanooga," said Chattanooga city councilman Mosses Freeman.

Even though we may not be on Dr. King Blvd. celebrating his day, we just need to celebrate," said Wilhemenia Hall.

"I think that’s a tragedy because that’s who we celebrate; Dr. Martin Luther King and it should always be on Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd," said Rev. Anthony Chatman.

Instead, the parade and march was held on Moore Road. City officials told News 12 the Unity Group picked that location. Now it’s unclear if the annual event will always be on Moore Road from here on out.

"Certainly MLK  Blvd. has this history associated with Dr. King and we’ll look at that next year," said Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke.

But next year is a big question mark after a disagreement between the Unity Group and city hall; a disagreement that resulted in the Unity Group announcing that it would boycott Monday’s event.

"Friday night I learned the Unity Group had cancelled the parade and Saturday morning I went out to invite them to lead the parade and said the parade would still happen. Unfortunately, they declined," Mayor Berke said.

News 12 tried reaching out to the Unity Group via phone but call were never returned. In press release sent out over the weekend, a spokesman wrote:

"City officials exercised a governmental nuclear option to orchestrate a deliberate and hostile takeover of the MLK March and parade."

News 12 has yet to receive confirmation from wither side as to what led up to to the fall out between the Unity Group and city hall.