AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It was a time for singing, praising and reflecting Sunday afternoon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Amarillo.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is officially celebrated Monday, citizens from across the city gathered at the church for the annual celebration hosted by the Amarillo United Citizens Forum and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.
"We want everybody to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And what he stood for -- racial equality, we wanted everybody to be unified, he wanted everybody to be created equal," said Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Amarillo, Reverend James Collins. "So we open our doors because we want them to know that they are created equal in our sight and we just want to keep the dream alive."
Those participating in the celebration heard special music, speakers, and of course, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. The room was filled with people from various races, religious denominations and ages because it takes everyone to "keep the dream alive" -- especially the young.
"It's fascinating to see many of those who haven't had a chance to show thanks, those who haven't had a chance to participate. That's why the program today will involved many younger people," said representative from the Amarillo United Citizens Forum, Clem Whitaker.
The theme Sunday wasn't only about embracing the past, it was about building the future.
"Things have changed a lot but we still have a long way to go. There's definitely still some differences, still some inequalities so you know, the dream must stay alive," added Reverend Collins. "We must keep this in focus every year because we want the dream to stay alive."
