BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that life\u2019s most persistent and urgent question is \u201cWhat are you doing to help others?\u201d<\/p>\n
In central Bakersfield, people from across Kern County came together to honor those who are helping the community and uphold Dr. King\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n
Watch 17 News, After Sunrise and more local news free on your smart TV. Click to learn more about KGET+ <\/a><\/p>\n In keeping with tradition, MLK Day in Bakersfield started with a well-attended breakfast at the MLK Center in southeast Bakersfield.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a fantastic breakfast. Good food \u2026 giving credit where credit is due were icons and community leaders are have they have put the work in and acknowledging them for the work they have put in,\u201d said youth coordinator Sunni Crawford.<\/p>\n The Kern Dr. Martin Luther King Jr committee held their annual community breakfast Monday morning filling a large gymnasium with community members and local leaders.<\/p>\n The committee began hosting the breakfast 30 years ago and each year honors members of the Golden Empire who are committed to the spirit of Dr King\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n \u201cI think today is a benefit to support and to bring acknowledgment to his legacy because it takes a strong heart. And he did something for everybody,\u201d Crawford said.<\/p>\n California state parks to offer free MLK Day admission <\/a><\/p>\n After breakfast catered by Hodel\u2019s Country Dining, the committee honored nine community members for faithful years of service in education, civil rights and volunteering. Some of the recipients included CSUB President Dr. Vernon B Harper Jr., Dr. Tommy Tunson of Bakersfield College and Rev. Ralph Anthony.<\/p>\n Another one of those honorees, president of the NAACP of Bakersfield, Patrick Jackson, shares his thoughts on receiving an award.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was definitely humbling and a huge honor. So many people that do so many things in our community. And to be one of the ones that was selected of the many people that could have been selected is definitely a humbling honor.\u201d<\/p>\n