Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. honored with wreath laying ceremony at City Hall

"I think he would still want to lend his voice of encouragement and motivation, and activation, getting active in something," Elaine Lucas said. "I think he would still be saying that, in that strong voice, he would still be encouraging all of us to do something to serve, and in serving we will certainly make progress."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb’s Martin Luther King Jr. Board honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on Wednesday, his 96th birthday, with a wreath-laying ceremony at City Hall.

King, both a Baptist minister and Civil Rights activist, had a huge impact on race relations in the United States, beginning in the mid-1950s. Aside from King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech, he also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. 

Board member Elaine Lucas says having events like this will educate the community on Dr. King’s legacy. 

“We are ready to remember Dr. King, and all the things and all the sacrifice that he gave, for us to have our freedom,” she said.

Lucas says she wants the younger generation to get out and learn more about historic freedom fighters.   

“Were in the business of educating about Dr. King, or re-educating, and then impressing upon people to do all they can to help celebrate this great man’s life,” she said.

Lucas says she believes Dr. King would still be preaching and encouraging his people to continue the fight today. 

“I think he would still want to lend his voice of encouragement and motivation, and activation, getting active in something,” she said. “I think he would still be saying that, in that strong voice, he would still be encouraging all of us to do something to serve, and in serving we will certainly make progress.”

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Board wants the community to remember Dr. King as one of Americas most influential leaders. Click here to see how Macon-Bibb plans to honor Dr. King ahead of and on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday.