‘We can make a difference’: Hundreds attend 31st annual MLK Youth Rally in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — From performances to powerful messages, hundreds gathered at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student Union to commemorate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The 31st annual MLK Youth Rally brought scholars, families and Nebraskans from across the state to uplift younger generations.

“We’re the youth of right now,” said Jr. Mayor Jamersyn Hughes, one of the planning committee members. If we don’t step up and learn these things as we continue to grow, we’re going to have a dying world. As long as the youth continue to come together and build that love, hope and courage, we’re going to be a powerful world.”

Hughes travelled from Statesboro, Georgia, to attend the rally.

This year’s theme was “The Audacity to Walk Together in Love” — drawing inspiration from Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize address.

“This is not the time to cower,” Hughes said. “This is the time to walk with audacity. King’s legacy believed in unarmed truth and unconditional love.”

Students of all ages, from fourth grade to high school seniors, shared the stories of those who played a role in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Rally Community Choir broke out in song, while several of the scholars delivered their message of hope for the future.

“Last year, I was 17 and demanding change,” said Addison Olds, a member of the planning committee. “This year, I’m a year older and demanding the same thing.”

But one of the main messages from the day was how Dr. King empowered and inspired courage for many generations to come.

“I think it’s very important that we show, here in a small town of Nebraska, in Lincoln, that we care about this type of stuff, it matters,” said Kendyll Jackson, another member of the planning committee. “We can make a difference by broadcasting this every single year, by showing that we care about this type of stuff too.”