Those walking were given an opportunity to hold up a sign with the words “Unity in the Community,” as they took the one-mile walk down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Walnut Street, up Little League Boulevard and back to the church in the 600 block of Hepburn Street.

Before they left, several speakers gave words of inspiration and reflected on King’s legacy.

“I encourage you today to serve and to also do it with compassion,” Mayor Derek Slaughter said.

“Dr. King challenged us to create a beloved community … and that is a place where justice, compassion and respect guide how we treat one another even when we disagree,” Slaughter said. “At a time when our world feels as divided as ever, his message is as important as ever,” he said.

Pastor Patrick Jackson recites the “I have a dream” speech before the MLK Peace Walk as they walk along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in downtown Williamsport. The walk is one of many observances of the legacy of Dr. King who was a civil rights icon. Locally there are events all week of service opportunities, the movie “King in the Wilderness” at the District Cinema, and speakers on the legacy of Dr. King. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“As mayor I believe that each of us has a role to play in building that community right here in Williamsport and Lycoming County,” Slaughter said. “By listening, by caring for our neighbors, and by standing up for what is right, let’s honor Dr. King not only for today with acts of kindness, service and community. For as you go forth may you remember Dr. King’s legacy today and always.”

Reflections were given by Rachelle Abbott, of STEP; state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport; the Rev. Dr. John Piper Jr., historian and theologian; Lou Hunsinger, local historian, Patrick Jackson, who recited “I Have a Dream,” Shantay Hall, of the YWCA, and Rev. Bradley Walmer, New Covenant United Church of Christ — who encouraged individuals to take part in the week of community educational and service activities.

Among topics touched on by Piper was a personal story of hearing King as he promoted his book on the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955, published in 1958.

As a graduate student in Connecticut, Piper described being spat on during a protest in front of a Woolworth’s store (which was segregated in the south and integrated in the north).

“I was standing there with a sign when someone came up and spit on me,” Piper said. “I didn’t move. I was aware that I had to stay still if I believed in nonviolence. He said he realized how difficult, how demanding nonviolence really is.

The crowd gathered at Bethel AME Church in Williamsport clap as Shantay Hall of the YWCA speaks about the contribution of Dr. King before the MLK Peace Walk as they walk along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in downtown Williamsport. The walk is one of many observances of the legacy of Dr. King who was a civil rights icon. Locally there are events all week of service opportunities, the movie “King in the Wilderness” at the District Cinema, and speakers on the legacy of Dr. King. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“Our inclinations are to react with similar violence,” he said. But Martin Luther King taught us the virtue of nonviolence.”

Piper also spoke of transformational themes evolving from King’s time in jail in Birmingham in 1963 and writing a letter that the “time has come,” along with a book written in 1967, a year before he was assassinated, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”

“Always remember, move intentionally forward in the most positive way,” Hall said. “Where we are today does not define where we will be tomorrow,” she said.

Shantay Hall of the YWCA speaks about the contribution of Dr. King before the MLK Peace Walk as they walk along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in downtown Williamsport. The walk is one of many observances of the legacy of Dr. King who was a civil rights icon. Locally there are events all week of service opportunities, the movie “King in the Wilderness” at the District Cinema, and speakers on the legacy of Dr. King. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Dozens brave the cold temperatures Monday afternoon during the MLK Peace Walk as they walk along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in downtown Williamsport. The walk is one of many observances of the legacy of Dr. King who was a civil rights icon. Locally there are events all week of service opportunities, the movie “King in the Wilderness” at the District Cinema, and speakers on the legacy of Dr. King. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Dozens brave the cold temperatures Monday afternoon during the MLK Peace Walk as they walk along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in downtown Williamsport. The walk is one of many observances of the legacy of Dr. King who was a civil rights icon. Locally there are events all week of service opportunities, the movie “King in the Wilderness” at the District Cinema, and speakers on the legacy of Dr. King. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette