Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in OKC

NEWS 9

Today, the nation pauses to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for civil rights.

Dr. King would have been 79 years old Jan.15, but the federal holiday is observed every third monday in January, and what an observance it was.

Here in Oklahoma City, the morning started with a prayer breakfast at the Reed Conference Center. From there, many took part in a silent march near NE 23 Street and Martin Luther King before convening at the Oklahoma Historical Center for a mini-rally of sorts, urging people not to forget the non-violent message of Dr. King.

"It's not just a day off of work, or a day off of school. It's really a day to come and really understand the meaning of what he stood for," events participant Crystal Davis said.

Several local and state leaders took part in today's celebration as well.

In Oklahoma City, several ceremonies and observances are scheduled: 

7 a.m. -- Prayer breakfast at Reed Center in Midwest City.

9:45 a.m.--Silent march begins on NW 23 Street at the Ralph Ellison Library. The march ends at the Oklahoma History Center where Governor Brad Henry will ring the liberty bell.

Noon -- The Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Coalition program starts at St. Paul's Cathedral with a re-enactment of Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. 

2 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. -- Parade starts at outside the cathedral and ends in Bricktown around Sheridan Ave. and Lincoln Blvd.

Click Here for a link to The King Center.