On Monday, the nation will pay tribute to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the legacy of the civil rights movement.

On Thursday, Ohio University Southern, as it has for more than two decades, hosted their annual community celebration of Dr. King, featuring a diverse range of varying races, gender and religion.

In addition to remembering the bravery of King and the civil rights activists who stood up to the repression and bigotry of the Jim Crow south, the event looked forward, urging communication and understanding between those of all walks of life.

And on Sunday, the Ironton Area Ministerial Association will host an Ironton area Unity Celebration service at 4 p.m. at Resurrection Hope Church as part of the holiday weekend.

Guest speaker will be Reverend Damion Sneed, the former pastor at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Kristen Martin will lead the Ironton Area Community Choir and Isaac Duke Adams will provide the music.

As King once said, the most segregated hour in American life can all to often by Sunday morning. This event will allow congregations to come together to celebrate his legacy and build a sense of community.

In addition, MLK events are scheduled for Ashland and Huntington. We urge everyone to take part in the commemorations offered this weekend throughout the Tri-State.