Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Members of the Rochester community will be coming together on Monday to celebrate the Martin Luther King Junior national holiday.

The events commemorating the life of the slain civil rights leader began in the morning with the annual NAACP "We Have a Dream" Celebration co-sponsored by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. The program will feature a keynote address by Prexy Nesbitt. A news release from the Rochester Branch of the NAACP says the prominent American activist, educator, and international speaker arched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Junior during the "step on the thousand mile journey" in 1966 and played a pivotal role in the global movement against apartheid in Africa.

Shared Interest 2018 Annual Spring Benefit
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That will be followed by the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Freedom March Rally at the Mayo Civic Center beginning at 10:30 AM. A Freedom March will then take place in downtown Rochester leading up to a Community People's Program at Rochester Civic Theater starting at noon.

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The day's festivities will be wrapped up with a Commemorative Celebration and Birthday Party remembering the life of Dr. King at the Civic Theater beginning at 2:30 PM.

LOOK: 50 essential civil rights speeches

Many of the speakers had a lifetime commitment to human rights, but one tried to silence an activist lobbying for voting rights, before later signing off on major civil rights legislation. Several fought for freedom for more than one oppressed group.

Keep reading to discover 50 essential civil rights speeches.

Gallery Credit: Karen Johanson

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