People filled the convention center exhibit hall Monday to remember and celebrate the life and works of one of the most famous civil rights leaders.

Youth and adults alike celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. at the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture’s youth luncheon.

Children were an integral part of the celebration, taking the roles of introducing speakers, speaking themselves, reading poetry and performing songs.

Jadarrius Williams, 11, said he thought it was important to attend celebrations like the luncheon to learn about Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s important people know about history and how he fought for our rights,” Jadarrius said.

His mother, Shelia Williams, said she thought it was important for the children to attend the event, too.

“I think it’s important for young folks to learn what (King) did and who he was,” Williams said. “He was not a racial person — he wanted to bring people closer together, and that’s what this is about.”

Shalisha Proby, 12, said she was at the luncheon to celebrate the civil rights leader.

“Now he’s left it up to us,” Shalisha said. “He helped us, he put white and black together.”

The Rev. Dwight Greene, pastor at Fourth Street Church of Christ, spoke about King’s life and works. Greene emphasized the importance of motivating oneself to have higher goals and “climb a higher mountain.”

“This (day) is not to be a one-time thing,” Greene said. “It’s a daily way of life. Make up your mind you’re going to make a positive difference.”

This is the luncheon’s eighth year, and attendance gets bigger every time, NAPAC Board Chairman the Rev. LeRoy White said.

It is important to pass along King’s message to the younger generation, he said.

“We want our youth to understand that the job is not totally finished,” White said. “The job is to help everyone not to judge based on skin color but to see people as people.”

Joe and Dianne Good said they thought this was exactly the purpose of the luncheon and of the holiday.

“We have to help keep the struggle alive for young kids,” Joe Good said.

The Goods’ 9-year-old grandson, Reginald Smith-Good, gave a speech as part of the festivities. That, Joe Good said, was part of what the day was about, passing the torch.

“I can’t get up in front of people like this,” Good said. “I’m really proud of him.”

Mary Winston echoed his thoughts.

“We’re here to help kids understand where they’re coming from,” Winston said. “It’s important for kids to understand.”

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade was rescheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday because of Monday’s rain.