OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Music, prayer and inspirational messages uplifted the souls of those who gathered at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center on Saturday morning for Marion County’s annual prayer breakfast in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A common theme emerged from the faith and community leaders who stepped up to the microphone. Messages of “fighting for what’s right” and good for the community even when evil forces try to derail the work were a reflection of MLK’s charge more than 50 years ago.

Eric Tarver gave a moving oration of MLK’s “I have a dream speech.” Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today
The audience responded to Tarver’s oration with a standing ovation. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today
Rev. Adrian S. Taylor, pastor of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville, delivered an inspirational message. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today
The program wove music and song from keyboardist/vocalist A. Michelle Lamb. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today
The breakfast is organized by Marion County’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative commission which is chaired by Loretta Pompey Jenkins. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today
Members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority gathered for a group photo at the prayer breakfast. Courtesy: Lisa Varner/352today

Rev. Adrian S. Taylor, the pastor of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Gainesville was among those making impassioned pleas to the audience.

Eric Tarver delivered a reading of MLK’s famous “I have a dream” speech and the audience responded with a standing ovation.

|MARKING MLK DAY: Events celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 352

The event is organized by the Marion County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative commission which is chaired by Loretta Pompey Jenkins.

Several elected officials including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano attended the event.

Rev. Richard Howard Sr. of New St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church delivered the benediction and closed the event asking the attendees to join hands in prayer.

MLK Day events continue throughout the holiday weekend. See a list here.