ABERDEEN, Miss. (WTVA) - A motorcade kicked off the Aberdeen Martin Luther King, Junior, Day celebration.
It was sponsored by the local NAACP chapter.
Aberdeen resident Palmer Mayes brought his two young grandchildren to take part.
Mayes said, "Taking part in the activities is something special, especially for the grandchildren. We're trying to keep King Day present and teach the kids what it's all about."
Mayes, along with event organizers, say teaching young people about civil rights issues of the past is important as they stand next in line in shaping America's future.
On this day it's also a chance to share what some here say is part of God's plan.
Cloyd Garth of Aberdeen said, "Dr. King and the movement was not necessarily about color. It was about justice. It was about bringing all of God's creation together. To me, this is a movement toward that goal."
After the motorcade, these people and others gathered at a local church for speakers and also a choir.
Event planners say the motorcade and other public events also honor freedoms so many would not have had just a few decades ago.
Lady Garth of Aberdeen said, "It doesn't matter who you are. If you're black or white and in the United States you can be someone. That's what the United States provides for us."
Those here say they hope more people will remember who this day is about, but also look forward to make America better for everyone.
