More than 50 years after he died at age 39 from an assassin’s bullet, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. endures as one of the most influential and recognizable figures in American history. His rise from the pulpit of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to his groundbreaking work as a founder and leader

SPRINGFIELD — In the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speakers called for action — not symbolic gestures — to bring economic justice, good schools and political fairness to everyone.

It allows people to come out of isolation into the community and be a part of something bigger than themselves,’ one organizer said.