Ponca City honors Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ponca City is taking time to honor Martin Luther King, Jr Saturday and Monday.

Dr. King is a symbol of freedom for all humankind.

Saturday evening Attucks Community Center will host a celebration program.

Diane Anderson, celebration community co-chairperson said the speaker is Dr. Timothy Jackson from Bartlesville.

"We are talking about someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice to fight for rights, he gave his life," Anderson said. "Before he gave up his life, he gave up a lot of time with his family and his community, all because he wanted things to be better for us. So, if Dr. King had a dream that we as a nation would rise up as one people, than certainly we ought to be able to come together as one people and celebrate what he fought so hard for .”

This program will be 6 p.m.

There will also be a interfaith prayer breakfast on Monday.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr day.

It is always the third Monday in January because it’s around King’s birthday, Jan. 15.

Anderson said they have community figures giving prayers.

“ For instance we have Rich Cantillion, who is executive director of the Chamber of Commerce," Anderson said. " Rich is giving a prayer for leadership. Why? Because he is in a leadership role in our community. We have Reverend Bright from Grace Episcopal Church giving a prayer for world peace. Why? Because he is from Libya, so he knows a lot about liberation and peace.”

Anderson said these are real people, who are relevant to the community and our lives.

Doors open at the Attucks Community Center at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast is free until it’s gone.

Prayer will start at 8.