LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville honored the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday named in his honor.
MLK Service and Discussion
It was a packed hour at the iconic King Solomon Baptist Church in west Louisville Monday morning.
People from all walks of life came together for a service led by Rev. Dr. Charles Elliot, who spoke about his experience working with Dr. King on civil rights issues in Louisville.
Elliot reflected on what they accomplished and the work left to be done.
Church leaders, union representatives and state and local lawmakers all took part. Before the service, the group traveled in the annual MLK motorcade around west Louisville.
"As we commemorate and think about what today represents we look at Dr. King and when he opened the doors of our people and the mind that he had was brilliant," said Keith Jackson from Kentucky's Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.
Kentucky Congressman Morgan McGarvey (D-3rd District) said, "As we reflect and we remember today let's also recharge because it is up to us to act and make sure we are truly bending towards that justice."
Following the service, there were roundtable discussions about way to embrace Dr. King's message.
Ali Center Commemoration
Muhammad Ali was a Louisville native, and Martin Luther King Jr. was a frequent visitor in the 1960s. In fact, the two even fought for fair housing in the city. That’s why MLK Jr’s life and legacy are center stage this week at the Ali Center.
"Their partnership and their reverence for each other is indelible and you know, certainly part of history, and we are happy to bring that to core today here at the Muhammad Ali Center." said Ali Center president Marilyn Jackson.
The King holiday is one of the busiest days of the year at the Ali Center on the waterfront in downtown Louisville. Several hundred youth from across the city spent the day at the center.
After watching Dr. King’s historic "I Have a Dream" speech, the youth had a panel discussion that included a workshop on Black history.
Commemorations were held in several parts of the city on Monday to remember Dr. King's legacy.
Free admission to the Ali Center was sponsored by Molina Healthcare.
"We're very excited to be partners of the Muhammad Ali Center, especially on this day of service. And we all know how Muhammad Ali felt about service and what that meant to your time here on Earth. And so nothing more exciting to be here today and to celebrate his six core principles and allow the community to come here and see this wonderful place," said Nicole Yates, Associate Vice President Molina Healthcare.
This is one of five free days at the Ali Center throughout the year.
More top stories:
- Bitter cold, snow grip Kentucky and southern Indiana with a thaw days away
- Gov. Andy Beshear declares state of emergency amid severe winter weather
- Pop-up shelters around South Louisville helping people survive severe winter weather
- Louisville officials urge caution as high winds, extremely cold temperatures head toward the area
Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
