Religion

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of racial and social equality continues to inspire decades after his passing.
Local church congregations came together on Jan. 15 to celebrate the Civil Rights leader's lasting influence.
The theme of the annual event — held this year at Gospel Temple in the Oldtown community in  West Galax — was "Born To Inspire."

SCROLL DOWN TO VIDEOS OF CHOIRS

With a theme of “Expect a Miracle,” the message to the congregation was to keep on dreaming, as churches in the community united on Jan. 17 at Gospel Temple #2 in Galax to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Galax Vice Mayor Willie Greene told the congregation to use their freedom to be great.
“Martin Luther King said it doesn't matter what job you get,” he said. “Get a job, and be the best you can be at it... We have the freedom to be great, and anything less is to be a slave again.

INDEPENDENCE — Bona Dee Murray remembers going hungry when she and her mom ran out of food when she was just a young girl. 

When their shelves were bare, churches helped to feed them. 

About 10 years ago, it became Murray's dream for First United Methodist Church of Independence to collect food and donate it to those in need through Social Services.