Independence residents come together to celebrate community and civil rights.

 

Community members gathered at Independence High School Sunday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The ceremonies were marked by musical performances and featured guest speakers. USD 446 Superintendent Jason McAfee welcomed attendees to the ceremony. He says education is key in bringing people together.

 

The featured speaker at Sunday's event was Charles Edward Watson. Watson is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Georgetown University. He is a practicing attorney in Wichita and also serves as the pastor of the St. James Church of God and Christ in Arkansas City. Watson's theme was community. He says living together was Dr. King's goal.

 

Watson says communities are built through the hard work of appreciating our differences.

 

More than 100 people attended the celebration.

 

Photo: Charles Watson speaks at Sunday's ceremony