COLUMBUS--More than 700 Ohio State students braved the freezing temperatures for the 22nd annual MLK Day of Service. 

Students had the chance to donate their time and efforts to dozens of non-profits as well as food pantries, COSI and the Columbus Humane Society. 

Organizers say its all about taking pride in the community. 

“See what's all around Columbus and kind of explore different locals around. Give everyone a taste of what is available in our city. And let them go on their own and see what they want to explore.” says Ohio State student, Subhakeertana Sivakumar.

A jam-packed crowed at Capital University was treated to a performance by the school's choir as well as civil rights activist, educator and author, Doctor Joyce Ladner. 

Ladner spoke about the first time she met Dr King as a 17-year-old in college, the role she played in the March on Washington in 1963 and his lasting message. 

“His life of service is what we really want to celebrate. He was not one for commemorating but for doing. But he managed to pack, far more in his life then most people.” says Civil Rights Activist and Author Dr. Joyce Ladner.

The Ohio History Center honored MLK's legacy with an art display highlighting social justice and the identity of African Americans throughout history. The nationally recognized collection featured dozens of paintings, quilts, sculptures and prints from contemporary artists from Ohio and across the nation. 

“Social justice was very much part of the life and legacy of Dr. King's work. It shows the depth of history, art, influence of social culture and the civil rights movement. So this exhibit is each artists' interpretation of those big themes in life and in history,” says National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center  Assistant Director, Jerolyn Barbee.


Those we spoke to Monday say Dr. King's message still resonates more than five decades after his death. 

And its up to all of us to keep his dream alive for generations to come.