On Monday morning, Mission Waco hosted a program to look back at the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and start conversations among members of the community from different backgrounds.
Attendees listened to music, watched artistic performances and had a history lesson. They also had a discussion about race, ethnicity and racial reconciliation during lunch.
Mission Waco Executive Director John Calaway said people left the event feeling encouraged and in a spirit of unity.
"Ultimately wanted people to understand we are all one people and we are out for the good of our community but that we look very different, we think very different and we don't want to ignore those differences but we want to celebrate those differences," Mission Waco Executive Director John Calaway said.
In the afternoon, volunteers went to 15 different sites to help with projects at locations that help low-income residents, homeless, or people recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism.
Students who are part of Baylor's Medical Service Organization, for example, cleaned up an area where homeless sometimes spend their time.
"I really enjoy being a part of the community and helping those who are underprivileged in the community," Michaela Digilio said.
Businesses, like Insurors of Texas, helped with outdoor projects at the house where Mission Waco's drug and alcohol recovery program is located.
Christina Conway was one of the employees volunteering her time on Monday.
"I like helping, giving back to our community, on a special day like today. We really enjoy it. And as I said, we do it every year," Conway said. "[Dr. King] was a civil rights leader that fought for us. It's just nice to come out for today and everything he has done for us."
Her agency has been participating in the event for 15 years.
"It's a small way for our agency to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and all the things he has done for society," Insurors of Texas Executive Vice President Jason Youens said.
Mission Waco's event has been held for more than 10 years.
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