Students remember, honor Martin Luther King 50 years after his death

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Students from all over New Hanover County came together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s death.

The celebration at Williston Middle School in Wilmington honored Dr. King and was a teaching moment for the students.

“What we are reminding people today that while the man died in Memphis, his dream lives on in Wilmington,” District Attorney Ben David said.

50 years ago Wednsday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was supposed to speak in Wilmington at Williston, which was an African-American high school at the time. Even though he never made it, his memory did.

“I think if he came to the Williston School that he would of made a lot of peace makers here and there would be no bullies like how much there are today,” student Madalyn Liva said.

Students from across the Cape Fear came together to honor, learn and reflect on the changes Dr. King made.

“I remember that he inspired a lot of people to do the right thing and he had a dream that black and white people would soon be able to be friends again,” Liva said.

Liva, who is a fifth grader, was one student recognized for winning the “I’ve been to the Mountain Top” Essay Contest. District Attorney Ben David said their essays impressed him.

“It is really remarkable to see how they have took words that were written well before even I was born and are making them to live today,” David said.

One message David wants students to take away from the celebration is they can change the world just like Dr. King.

“Today is all about the future not just the past. They are the future, they are the future leaders and when we look to the future we should also look to the past for guidance. And Dr. King was a great legacy and guide for many of us,” David said.