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Each January, thousands of San Antonians gather on the city’s East Side to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The city’s annual MLK March, considered the nation’s largest, brings together families, civic leaders, businesses and neighbors in a powerful demonstration of unity and purpose. Each year USAA employees, their families and retirees walk proudly with the community.
“San Antonio has always led with heart. Being part of this city and part of USAA means we have a responsibility to carry that forward,” said Susan MacCabe, head of citizenship & belonging at USAA. “Our colleagues and neighbors are also our members. When we show up for our community, we’re showing up for the military families who depend on us. That connection is at the core of who we are.”
A San Antonio legacy of service
San Antonio’s annual MLK March is a reflection of what makes the city special: a community that leads with purpose, unity and collective responsibility. And for USAA, participation in the MLK March aligns with the association’s mission to serve military families and strengthen the communities where employees live and work.
Nikki Matthews, HR business partner at USAA, shared her sentiment that “more than a symbolic tradition, seeing your co-workers and neighbors from all walks of life standing together for belonging and inclusiveness leaves a lasting impact and really brings our values to life. I take pride in sharing these experiences with my daughters —especially with Team USAA by our side.”
Matthews has marched for 14 years with her family, calling the event one of San Antonio’s most meaningful traditions. She is also the national chair of PEAK, a USAA employee impact group focused on promoting awareness and knowledge of the experiences and perspectives of African Americans.
USAA’s commitment to San Antonio extends well beyond supporting the annual MLK March. It encompasses various initiatives designed to advance the city’s critical needs and foster long-term economic competitiveness and an educated talent pipeline.
These impactful programs are carried out in collaboration with major regional players, including local chambers, greater:SATX, the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, Joint Base San Antonio, the San Antonio Food Bank, Haven for Hope, SAMMinistries and educational institutions. Through these partnerships, USAA recognizes the strength of the military community and provides vital support to military members and their families who call San Antonio home.
“We’re grateful for USAA’s dedication to honoring Dr. King’s legacy through meaningful, sustained action,” said Chris Martin, president and CEO of United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. “For nearly a decade, USAA has been a committed partner in advancing our work on the East Side. Their financial contributions and volunteer engagement have helped create safe spaces for families, provide resources for students and strengthen local organizations.”
Since 2017, USAA’s major contributions to the East Side area include sponsoring a playground installation at MLK Park, public beautification efforts at Pittman Sillivan, Ella Austin Community Center, and Young Women’s Leadership Academy Primary, teacher supply kits for area elementary schools, job shadowing opportunities for students at Sam Houston High School and mobile food distribution efforts — all made possible through USAA grants and employee volunteers.
2026 MLK community projects
For this year’s MLK season, USAA is funding and supporting several new initiatives, including refreshing a United Way Ready Children impact program that focuses on early learning for children on the East Side, a military-focused mobile food distribution at Lackland Air Force Base and outdoor garden improvements at the Young Men’s Leadership Academy. Additionally, USAA employees will volunteer alongside The Mission Continues and their Legacy of Service project for Towne Twin Village, a new tiny home village developed for nearly 200 unhoused seniors.
Continuing the legacy
Matthews says events like the MLK March reinforce a central pillar of USAA’s culture: ensuring the environment is inclusive so people can be and do their best every single day.
“Progress requires sustained effort, and each January provides a powerful opportunity for communities to reflect, connect and be reminded that when we show up together, we move the mission forward,” continued Matthews.
For Matthews and thousands of USAA employees across the country, honoring Dr. King begins with one simple act: showing up.
