Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a program Monday at the Sam and Sue Mars Performing Arts Center.

“Civil rights isn’t just about African-Americans, but more so about the civility of all people and nations,” said LMU Athletic Director Jasher Cox, the keynote speaker. “With over 25 countries represented here at Lincoln Memorial University, we are the multicultural center, the magnet, the hub of multicultural events in Harrogate.”

The program is presented annually by the LMU Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement along with Friends of Lincoln School, Middlesboro’s segregated school from 1908 to 1965. In addition to the message from Cox, the program included a proclamation read by LMU President Clayton Hess, and singing from Rhonda White and Albernita Cummings.

Elizabeth Gilbert recognized the following high school seniors with gifts from the Friends of Lincoln School: Kenya Colquitt, Isaiah Dick, David Kyle, and Jabari Kyle, all of Middlesboro High School; Alexis Cole and London Stephney, of Bell County High School; Ashantee Agnew, Brendan King, and Dylan Morris, all of Pineville High School.

The program ended with master of ceremonies Billy Worthy leading the stage and audience in singing “We Shall Overcome.”