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JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- Song, dance, prayers, and contest awards marked the celebration of Martin Luther King Day at Lincoln University.

Today would have been the slain civil rights leader's 81st birthday.

A national holiday on Monday will honor his legacy of peaceful demonstration and faith.

State agriculture director Jon haggler relayed how the discrimination experienced by his grandmother simply for befriending a black woman in the 1960's taught him to take a stand whenever confronted by racism.

"Today, as we pay tribute to a man who transformed America, let us all reflect on our power as individuals to exact change,” Missouri Agriculture Director Jon Hagler said.

Missouri first lady Georganne Nixon presented awards to mid-Missouri students who participated in the annual king poster and essay contests.

"Dr. King's greatest gift and his most enduring legacy was his example of selfless service and sacrifice,” Georganne Nixon said.

The Jefferson City regional MLK committee organizes the celebration each year in an effort to empower people, bridge barriers, and strengthen communities through racial harmony.