INDIANAPOLIS — It's been 56 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered, but his legacy is still alive, thriving and growing.
"Dr. King was a leader, a servant and had incredible power to unite," Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales said.
That power to unite is what brought a large group to Monument Circle Wednesday to lay a wreath in his honor.
"This day serves as a reflection on the progress we made and the challenges that still exist," said Eric Johnson, president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Countless people have found the strength to overcome these challenges by remembering King's words.
"I'm proud to be the first man of color and a minority elected as Indiana secretary of state. I believe this happened because Dr. King opened the doors and paved the way for so many people like us," Morales said.
As we prepare to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this group wants to remind everyone that Monday is more than a day off.
"His legacy and the change he inspired is seen and felt every day and everywhere," Morales said.
"This celebration underscores the ongoing need to work toward the values diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all. It serves as a call for action for individuals and communities to come together to dismantle systemic inequality," Johnson said.
Systemic inequality will only vanish if we all do our part. There are plenty of opportunities to do that leading up to Monday, including a celebration on Thursday at noon at the Indiana Statehouse, and a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observance at 1 p.m. Friday at the City-County Building.
Wednesday's ceremony ended with a suggestion to commit to complete selfless acts on Monday that will benefit others.