"Dr. King talked about the need to raise expectations and he would have been 75-years-old as of this time around. And what better venue to have to raise people's expectations," said State Repetitive Dwight Evans.
Many of those in attendance would not normally be able to see the Philadelphia Orchestra. There were a lot of children in the audience, so the night was about bringing the Philadelphia Orchestra to them.
William Ivory of Germantown tells us, "I love coming to see events that are for the betterment of the neighborhood. Especially this neighborhood, my neighborhood. There's not a lot of positive things going on but just to see positive things is a great thing."
At the New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church the celebrations continued. Students in Southwest Philadelphia performed skits depicting the life, times and contributions of Dr. King.
While Philadelphia honored Dr. King and how his message shaped generations, a young generation had a message of its own. Southwest Philadelphia resident Marquise Brown said, "Today should have no violence and it should be about Dr. King and having peace."
