Mayor Ed Fare quoted King in his address and took King’s words as a challenge to make the world a better place. “It’s a day to reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy,” he said, “but also, it’s a day to think about how each of us can make a positive impact in the world in which we live.”

The Rev. Philip Jones led several songs during the event in addition to a performance by the Valley Stream Dance Ministry. The Rev. Dionne Boissiere, of the New Hope Baptist Church in Danbury, Conn., also led a memorable song.

Malik Nadeem Abid, a Nassau County human rights commissioner and a member of American Muslim Voice, spoke about how King’s words have impacted him as a Muslim living in America. “Whenever you see an injustice, please stand up,” he said, “not just to protect yourself, but to protect the rights of your friends, family members and everyone else, because in the end we will remember the silence of all our friends.”

The Rev. Kymberley Clemons-Jones, president of the Valley Stream Religious Council, has hosted the celebration at her church for the past four years and said the event left her feeling inspired to do good in the world.