On his 95th birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King continues to inspire us to embrace each other and work towards a better future, and on his commemoration day, there were plenty of events across Boston looking to honor that legacy.
State and city notables, including Mayor Michelle Wu, delivered remarks at the 54th annual Martin Luther King Jr. memorial breakfast at the Boston Convention Center.
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"He taught us that democracy and justice aren't ideals we just hope for, but what we fight for and secure, no matter the headwinds," said Wu.
"It's the promise that every voice will be heard, every community will be respected, every person will have equity in education, their health care, their environment, their opportunity," said Massachusetts Gov. General Maura Healey. "This is the unkept promise."
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Another tradition is the Boston Children's Chorus, which hosted its 21st annual tribute concert at Boston's Symphony Hall at 4 p.m.
In Dorchester, the education nonprofit City Year was mobilizing more than 200 volunteers to repaint the Holmes Innovation School -- with inspirational quotes and public figures like Malcolm X, Serena Williams and Jayson Tatum -- and pack more than 1,000 supply kits for other Boston and Everett schools.
Principal Lianne Hughes-Odom said, "Our kids get to come back to a space that is real, relevant and relatable and most importantly, that reflects each and every one of them as well."
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"Monday is a national day of service, it's a day when hundreds of thousands of Americans are choosing to serve instead of taking the day off," said Mollie Puskar, senior director of corporate development at City Year. "So I think, in addition to the service we're doing at Holmes, there's this feeling that you're part of a bigger movement."
Hughes-Odom adds that you don't have to wait until MLK Day to honor his legacy and do what is right, though.
On this national day of service, however, people were encouraged to volunteer their time in Dr. King's name, while also reflecting on his contributions.
One of his most famous quotes is: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
That quote was mentioned throughout different events across the city on Monday, including at the Vilna Shul, Boston's Center for Jewish Culture where more than 100 volunteers packed bags with fresh produce that will later be donated to the families of 'We are better together' -- an organization in Roxbury that helps women and girls affected by homicide, violence and incarceration.
"As an organization within the Jewish community, we feel a tremendous responsibility to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and to make a contribution to the community," said Elyse Winick, director of arts and culture at the Vilna Shul.
