This year's Martin Luther King parade seemed larger than last year's. The people who lined the streets and marched in the parade were extra excited because of Obama's inauguration tomorrow. The bands were great and the puppets impressive. Many community organizations and faith based programs were represented. I have noticed, however, at least for the three years I've attended these parades, that only the schools with a majority of black students send their bands to participate. This parade could really use more band music. Without bands the parade seems awfully somber. I'm not sure why this is the case, but I intend to write to leaders in both the white and black communities and to the superintendent of schools to see if it isn't possible for more of Knoxville's school bands to participate. Surely it is important that on a national holiday all our school children are educated about Dr. King and encouraged to particpate in community activities that honor him. I think many of the students would actually enjoy this.