It was noisy and crowded in the basement of Bidwell Presbyterian Church. Families straightened signs and checked clothes, organizers prepared microphones and Channel 11 was setting up outside. It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day and residents of the Northside were preparing to honor it by marching from that church to Calvary United Methodist Church in Allegheny West.

With signs reading “Tough Minds/Tender Hearts” and “Equality and Brotherhood” members of both congregations, along with the affiliation of Northside groups known as Northside United, began the march singing songs and carrying signs.

The event, coming the day before the inauguration of President Barack Obama, had an undertone of expectation for the historic events to happen the next day.

More than 150 people joined in, a number that Northside United organizer Rachel Canning said was more than they expected. The event was organized in partnership with the Northside Urban Ministry and members of both churches.

“I think people are inspired by the message of Dr. King,” Canning said. “And it’s something that people of faith and others from the community can come together on.”

Other marchers came to continue their protest against what they see as the unfair and perhaps illegal efforts by Continental Real Estate to develop the parcels between PNC Park and Heinz Field. Northside United has been leading the efforts to negotiate a community benefits agreement and other concessions from the developer.

Reverend Larry Homitsky said that Martin Luther King Jr. helped united a diverse number of people to work toward a common goal.

“This minister was not just a pastoral leader but a leader for a community and for a nation,” he said. “This truly captures the faith and goo works that he was all about.”

Reverend Gretchen Hulse said that the march and following service highlighted the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. and was an appropriate tribute to someone who worked hard for change.

“We wanted to be united and be visible in the community,” she said. “We can’t just be talking about change we have to show we are serious about change.”

Northside United is a campaign dedicated to ensuring that the development on the Northshore of Pittsburgh benefits the Northside neighborhoods adjacent to the development.