HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After a great presentation Sunday, the Martin Luther King event Monday saw a good crowd gather at a local church despite the weather.

In addition to great music, was a very passionate speech from the Rev. Dr. Kevass J. Harding of the Dellrose United Methodist Church in Wichita who spoke of helping others and loving everyone, no matter their background. He also noted that we all need to be proactive, not reactive, and separate ourselves from those who choose to hate.

One of the more memorable moments was a young man who spoke about Dr. King and a letter he wrote while in jail in Birmingham, Alabama. Demarcus Myer, 16, spoke about that letter.

A state representative, Steve Becker gave a passionate speech about the incident in Charlottesville, Virginia, that occurred last summer, noting that it brought back racism from the past.

Others speaking included: State Senator Dr. Ed Berger, State Representative Jason Probst, and Hutchinson City Councilman Steve Dechant, who has served the past year as vice mayor.

Two Reno County Commissioners were also present, including Commission Chair Ron Hirst and Commissioner Dan Deming.

Music was provided by the Buhler Varisty Choir, the Buhler Singers and the Hutchinson Community College Badinage.

Events continued at the Cosmosphere and included a new exhibit in the museum rotunda titled, “Dream Makers: African-Americans Make Their Mark.”