GREEN BAY, WI -- Here in Northeast Wisconsin, the weather forced the cancelation of the Union Congregation United Church of Christ's prayer gathering on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
But several other events around the area honored and reflected on Dr. King and his message.
From Green Bay, to the Fox Valley, hundreds of people were finding ways throughout the day to turn Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of hope into action.
In Green Bay, neighbors, community leaders, and elected officials came together at the Divine Temple Church of God in Christ.
One of many topics discussed included how to close the divide between the community--particularly people of color--and the police.
It's a goal to which police Chief Andrew Smith says they're committed.
"I've not seen such a divide between the police and the people that we serve," says Chief Smith, who has been working closely with Pastor L.C. Green to engage the community, "and I think we need to do everything we can to bring people closer together to develop that mutual respect between the police and the communities we serve."
While many area schools had no classes today, some Lawrence University students in Appleton were spending the day helping out in several community activities.
Sophomore Mei-An Lee spent her day with a dozen other students sorting clothes at Bethesda Thrift Shop.
Lawrence University's volunteer center helped connect more than 250 students and staff to 11 different organizations today.
Lee says engaging positively with one's community is likely what Dr. King Jr. would want on this day.
"He really fought for everybody, and was just a really strong advocate," says Lee, "and he was a strong leader, which has encouraged other generations of people to lead, and want to lead. And I think that volunteering is just a small step that everybody can take to help out."
