(WIBC.com photo: Reed Parker)

Community leaders and residents gathered at the City-County Building for a Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration.

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Mayor Greg Ballard told the crowd he'll never forget the day Dr. King was assasinated. Ballard stated Dr. King has been dead longer than he was alive, which means two generations have grown up without knowing about him personally.

Ballard says it's up to his generation to pass on Dr. King's legacy to young people. Ballard told the crowd of the various tributes to Dr. King throughout the city, including the new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. luminary garden downtown. The garden honors Dr. King's life and achievements as part of the Glick Peace Walk along the Cultural Trail.

Ballard also recognized Elease Womack, known as Mother Womack, for her committment to serving the community. She was honored with the Lucious Newsom Community Legacy Award.