FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — 60 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law an act that would change the dynamic of America forever.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended legal segregation in public places and made discrimination illegal. While many strides have been made, there is still work to be done.
On Thursday, the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission worked to serve the community and educate the youth on nonviolence, through the lens of unity.
"We realize that there are less fortunate individuals who are here that need help. We wanted to kick off the 60th-anniversary celebration by allowing them that opportunity to be fed," said Executive Director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Dushun Scarbrough.
Organizations like 7Hills volunteered to pass out meals, assisting people experiencing homelessness. The Gamma Eta Association of Omega Psi Phi fraternity president Carl Dupins said the work is fulfilling.
My heart is touched, and I feel satisfied. At this point, I can go home," adds Dupins.
Dupins said he hopes the youth will continue in their footsteps, "Hopefully they'll understand through seeing us out here, doing this for people we don't know, that compassion is just human ... Maybe when they run across someone, they will think about this event and find some way to contribute."
Schools in Fayetteville and Bentonville were invited to perform in honor of the 60th anniversary and participate in the workshops.
University of Arkansas students united with the middle and high school students as well.
"We supported the high schoolers with their band and made sure they knew we were here cheering them on," said Lance Yarbrough, a student at the University of Arkansas.
Miss University of Arkansas LilliAnn Nunley was also in attendance, and she said, "Young people are the future of our world, and teaching them these things is key to making sure our world is in good hands."
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