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Historians reflect on MLK's legacy as tensions rise in U.S.

A week after violence at the U.S. Capitol people say we have to work harder to unite again.
Posted at 6:56 PM, Jan 18, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-18 18:56:50-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — As the world celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. people are focused on how far we've come and how far we have to go.

53-years after Martin Luther King Jr's death, people who study black history say there has been progress.

But with tensions high both racially and politically, they say we have to work harder to unite again.

Assistant Director at the John G Riley Center and Museum says, MLK might have been disappointed with recent violence and division surrounding the political process.

Along with social injustices that gained major attention in 2020, with King fighting for unity and peace, basing his movement off non-violence.

Paige Lee says the message everyone can take from King is healing the divide between one another and respect different opinions.

Saying recent events shouldn't keep anyone from doing good everyday.

"I don't think that should discourage you from continuing to fight the good fight. You can't let things like that stop us, especially like someone like Martin Luther King that's wasn't something that would've stopped him," said Lee.

Lee says it's important for people to continue learning local black history, to understand the true meaning behind today as well as black history month in February.

Monday was also supposed to be the first MLK day parade in Tallahassee, it was postponed for safety and will take now place on February 6th.