From songs to speeches to service, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. in words and action

King, who would have been 95 this year, was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

Across the state and the country, events were held as a reminder of his work towards equality and justice for all.

In the nation's capital, the day began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

She reminded those in attendance that all play a role. "This movement requires that you bring a clear mind and to join hands with others of clear mind, who want to make of this old world, a new world.

"Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil and love what is good."

Wilson offered a call to action and encouraged everyone to honor King's legacy by helping to create a beloved community.

"Home is where your heart is. Love and charity begin at home; and if you don't have it, you can't give it," she said.

Members of Black Girls Run Raleigh, Black Men Run and Latinos Run put that message into action with a Unity Run beginning at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens in Raleigh.

Organizers say serving others in the community is one way to keep King's dream alive.

Dozens of runners and walkers braved the frigid temperatures Monday morning and gathered winter supplies and toiletries to be distributed at local shelters for those experiencing homelessness.

“It’s right in winter, and, as you know we are going to get slammed with the cold, so this is always a perfect opportunity to help North Carolina, help Raleigh, help Durham, help the area," said Eleanor Sykes, Black Girls Run Raleigh ambassador.

List: Local MLK Day events, day of service projects

Hundreds also joined the downtown Raleigh Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial march.

Civic groups and religious organizations, families and residents gathered in unison singing and chanting outside the North Carolina State Capitol building.

"We've come a long way," said Michael Cropper, who marched with his wife, Angela.

Denise Fitzpatrick has adopted King's push for equal rights as her personal mission. She's an advocate for a young man with a mental disability who was forced out of his home.

"I believe that our works are a powerful tool, and as advocates and activists with the ACLU as well. It's the perfect day to honor Martin Luther King," she said.

In Fayetteville, more than 1,000 people packed the Crown Expo Center for a meal and a message. It was the 31st annual Dr. Marting Luther King Jr. Prayer Brunch.

"The vision has already been set," she said. "We just need to go after it and do what god has put forth for us to do."

Once fueled in body and spirit, many participants joined in the annual Cumberland County Day of Service.

"We're a giving community," said Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. "We work year-round."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped organize the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a city bus.

He pushed for federal civil rights legislation that was eventually enacted and won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work. King’s example, and his insistence on nonviolent protest, continues to influence many activists pushing for civil rights and social change.