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San Luis Obispo community honors Martin Luther King Jr.

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Many people spent the day Monday remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Congregation Beth David in San Luis Obispo held a four-hour event to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

The day was packed with musical performances, movie viewings and workshops all remembering Dr. King’s powerful messages.

In one of the workshops, a main topic was overcoming racism and hate in society.

“I was just so inspired by his messages and it just resonated with me until this day,” said Cheryl Vines, San Luis Obispo County NAACP secretary.

Vines remembered listening to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches on the radio as a young girl.

Now a part of the local NAACP branch, Vines hopes to keep Dr. King’s dream alive.

“We have to stand up for what we believe, that’s what it’s going to take is everyone coming together to change the climate of this nation at this time,” said Vines.

San Luis Obispo’s NAACP branch partnered with Congregation Beth David and several other organizations to host the second annual celebration of Dr. King.

Congregation Beth David’s co-president says the event emphasizes Dr. King’s message about treating one another equally.

“The whole idea is to bring the community together, to begin conversations that will break down barriers which are caused by hate,” said Ron Baers, Congregation Beth David co-president.

Many people joined together to reflect, learn and praise Dr. King’s work.

One woman says she hopes to share that legacy with her family.

“Coming next year because we got connected to some places that are going to help us educate our son a little bit more,” said Shannon Messerly, an attendee.

The night concluded with a dinner and musical dance performance.

Many say it was a great way to remember the civil rights activist.