Dancers, singers, and guest speakers took the stage at the City of Burlington’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Jan. 19. The event took place in the Mayco Bigelow Community Center and welcomed around  450 people. 

Recreation Center Supervisor for the North Park, Zion Cash, helped coordinate the day’s program. He said the main message from the day was unity, keeping the hope alive and knowing the work’s not done. 

Marketing teacher at Cummings High School, Brandon Daye, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Daye directed his message to the students in the audience. 

“You matter, your voice matters, and your dreams matter,” Daye said. 

Daye also discussed Dr. King’s legacy in his speech and the importance of the holiday. 

“Dr. King did not just give us a holiday so we could rest from responsibility, he gave us a reminder,” Daye said. “A reminder that justice must be protected, a reminder that progress must be pursued, and a reminder that unity is not an essential but is essential.” 

Burlington Mayor Beth Kennett sat with other attendees in the audience, singing along to the opening hymn. 

“Dr. King’s message is one we should carry with us every day,” Kennett said. “We should always be working for equity and justice for all people.” 

Kennett said community events like MLK Day strengthen the community. 

“Any time we interact in spaces with people, we are making the city of Burlington better,” Kennett said. “We’re making ourselves better.” 

Burlington resident Doretha Winstead attends the event annually and also said it’s a great way to unite the community. 

“We don’t know where families are going when they leave here, but just knowing that people care about you and bringing that commonality together, I think is huge and is important,” Winstead said. “It’s beautiful to see not just the kids, but there were adults of all ages.” 

Winstead also expressed gratitude for the vendors at the event and the resources they provide for the community, noting a need for healthcare in the local area. 

“There were vendors here that really offered up to share services that are offered here in Alamance County,” Winstead said. “I know Cone Health was here to share and connect with the community, so I really think at the end all be all, it’s about addressing health disparities and access to resources.” 

Performances throughout the event included Elon University’s acapella groups Twisted Measure and Melanated Melodies, as well as the Divine Embers, a majorette dance team.

Kennett said she was happy to see Elon students celebrating the holiday. 

“I love all of Elon coming to Burlington and really participating in the community with us,” Kennett said.