Every generation produces a few incredible people. They see things in the world that they don’t agree with and they step forward and change them. They are the face of cultural movements, and they inspire future generations with the tales of their bravery. They are the people who are imprinted on our collective social psyche; Martin Luther King Jr. is one of these people. His dedication to the Civil Rights movement still impacts people today. He made the world a better place. In celebration of MLK Day, the community is honoring Dr. King with several events and activies.

In honor of all the ideals that Dr. King upheld, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville Technical Community College and Methodist University are collaborating with the Corporation for National and Community Service, to create an event that would make Dr. King proud.

The CNCS is a government organization that supports community service. The organization is partnering with universities and colleges around the nation to honor Dr. King with a day dedicated to community service. This is the the fourth year for this event and it looks to be a remarkable experience for volunteers and beneficiaries alike. Melissa Lyon, program manager at the Fayetteville State University Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning says the event “invites students, faculty/staff and community members to make Jan. 21 a “day on instead of a day off,” in the spirit of the event.

Since 1994, when Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first named a national holiday by Congress, the CNCS has led the charge in making the Federal holiday a day of service that truly honors the legacy of Dr. King. Officials at the CFNC say, “Dr. King worked tirelessly for increased opportunity for all Americans. Now more than ever we need to create and support opportunities for Americans to strengthen their own and each other’s economic security. Service is a powerful way for citizens, nonprofits, the private sector and government to work together to meet critical needs and advance King’s dream of opportunity for all.”

Over the years, CFNC has made a huge impact in the ways many Americans spend MLK Day. Across the country Americans will be giving back to their communities on their holiday, and this year is no exception. “The 2013 MLK Day of Service will include thousands of projects spread across all 50 states. Families, students, congregations, employees, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds will come together to celebrate MLK Day by making a difference in their communities. Projects will include delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, signing up mentors, supporting veterans and military families, promoting nonviolence and more, with many projects starting on King Day and lasting throughout the year,” CFNC officials report.

Anyone in the Fayetteville area that would like to participate in the nationwide honoring of Dr. King through a day of service can register to volunteer at http://2013mlkday-eorgf.eventbrite.com. For more information about the nationwide event, visit www.mlkday.gov and for information on local events contact Melissa L. Lyon at 672-2484.

Join the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Ministerial Council, Inc. on Monday, Jan. 21, at the Crown Exposition Center for the 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast followed by the 4th Annual Day of Service.

The breakfast runs from 7:30-10 a.m. Kim D. Sanders is the scheduled keynote speaker. Entertainment will include the Fayetteville State University Gospel Choir under the direction of Dr. Brooksie E. Harrington and 2012 Piece Magazine Gospel Showcase Winner Pastor Donnell Peterson & Rhema Music Group based in Greensboro, N.C.

Tickets are available in advance for an $18 donation or a $20 at the door. Find out more about this event and how you can participate at www.ministerscouncil.net, or by calling Bishop Larry O. Wright Sr. 910-568-4276 or Dr. Maxie Dobson 910-624-7785 and Reverend Mary Owens 910-670-9640.

Photo: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.