Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/21/2013 (Updated 7:09:21 PM)

Almost a half century since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his memorable "I have a dream" speech his message of equality for all still inspires generations beyond his own.

"It's definitely changed for the better. I have a lot of white friends, I'm biracial myself so it just proves that what he's worked for has been accomplished and we can only go further," said Union-Endicott High School Senior Robert Malvasio.

The theme for Monday's Martin Luther King celebration "Save the Children" is meant to influence kids and teens to do good in their community and better themselves.

"Some of our kids are illiterate. Some of our kids need mentors to help out children stay out of trouble and help them get out of school," said Second Vice President of the Broome-Tioga NAACP, Patricia McHerrin.

For many in the country including Binghamton, Monday is extra special because it's the second time in the nation's history a presidential inauguration is the same day at Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

It's only appropriate that the first African American president is sworn in for his second term.

"I think he would of been involved in the same message or debate that is going on in society right now about the haves and haves-not. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer and what's an equitable society and what kind of society we want to live in," said Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan.

Although we like to think the days of bigotry and racism are behind us there's no doubt this county has come a long way in 50 years, and many would like Dr. King's dream become even more of reality in the next 50.