Dr. King honored on what would have been his 90th birthday

DALLAS - People celebrated the legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on what would have been his 90th birthday.

A ceremony was held Tuesday at the Dallas community center named in his honor. After the short program, a large wreath and flowers were laid by Dr. King’s statue.

Organizers said it is important to recognize King’s achievements and remember his message.

“We do emphasize MLK’s life during the month of January and this week but we want people to remember that we’re here 365 days a year. And we want to celebrate and live our lives as he did 365 days a year,” said Candace Wicks, a member of the Martin Luther King advisory board.

The city of Fort Worth’s employees also honored King’s birthday by reflecting on his 1959 visit to the city. In a program called “One Night with King,” organizers told the story of how Dr. King spent a night as a guest in the home of a local teacher and author.

Fort Worth employees also posted flyers detailing “51 Acts of Kindness” – community service projects they are pledging to complete in honor of King’s legacy.

MLK celebrations will be happening all week and will lead up to the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. march and parade in South Dallas Monday.