Story Published: Jan 19, 2009 at 9:22 PM PST
Story Updated: Jan 21, 2009 at 2:27 PM PST
"We are putting on an event specifically aimed at children," said Clair Carlton, with the LCSC Institute for Intensive English. "Several elementary schools have provided art work that discusses diversity and especially Martin Luther King. There will be dancers from Lapwai, drummers from Lapwai, there is a small fashion show with international students and we have two keynote speakers."
AmeriCorps members worked with the kids, who Carlton said were very excited about the projects.
"Our volunteers read stories about Martin Luther King and then the children depicted diversity in their painting and artwork and they're really cute," said Carlton.
Along with the art, Carlton will give a speech about her experiences during the civil rights era.
"I'm going to be discussing what it was like growing up in the south during the civil rights movement, hearing the speeches of Martin Luther King," said Carlton. "We do have Durban Davis, an African American who will be discussing the African American experience."
MLK, Jr. Day is meant to be more than just a day off from work or school, but a time for service and reflection. A number of people spoke about their feelings about the holiday in Lewiston Monday.
"Martin Luther King Day to me, means being able to acknowledge what people have done or made sacrifices for you," said Lewiston Police Officer Monte Renzelman.
"He had foreseen a great change ahead of him, far before his time," said Edna Hoyt.
"He has been able to come out and the African Americans are free to do jobs they were never able to do," said Jacqueline Hanks. "I can remember when they were on the bus and they had to go to the back or they had to step off the sidewalk for us to pass, and they're equal now because of him."
"Just the difference in how you're treated, and the freedom," said Jose Murillo Jr. "Basically, everything you’re able to do. I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the cultures we have and the different people we have to deal with on a daily basis."
