Andria Horton, executive director for Champions for Children, had a booth at the event, providing information and resources to attendees focused on community well-being. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Dozens of community members gathered Saturday at a Tyler event venue to honor the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King during a day of celebration and reflection.

“King wanted us all to be together. His dream was for white and Black to be hand in hand, walking the same road together, level playing field, same outcomes, and I think we should continue with that path,” said Dr. Carolyn Harvey, National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer chairwoman.

Attendees gathered at the Veretta and Jesse Rider Fine and Performing Arts Center at the Texas African American Museum on West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, performances, food and fellowship.

Guests listened to speakers, browsed vendor booths and celebrated as several residents were honored with CommUNITY Empowerment Awards.

Harvey, Greg Davis, Nansi Jaimes, Casey Muze and Antwanise Jackson received a commemorative plaque in honor of their contributions.

Harvey said the Greater East Texas chapter of the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer, established in 1992, expanded its mission in the post-COVID era to address broader community health concerns.

“We are now working on mental health, Parkinson’s disease, children’s health and more,” Harvey said. “Our goal is to create a resource center where people can sit down for face-to-face education. There’s a lot we can fix in our community with the right information, but that often gets lost in a rushed 15-minute doctor’s visit or when things aren’t explained in a way that’s easy to understand.”

The organization hopes to provide a welcoming space for people to learn how to maintain their health amid a strained and fractured healthcare system.

“In 2025, you really can’t afford to be sick,” Harvey said. We’re here to help people relax, get educated and take control of their health.”

She said society has become lazy, self-centered and inconsistent, with too much focus on personal gain. Harvey emphasized that life is not just about “me,” but about fulfilling a greater purpose.

She said people should invest in others, as that’s the true legacy they can leave.

Harvey said the community needs a shift in mindset, noting that many people are influenced by misinformation and distractions. She said better health, happiness and financial stability are possible but require proactive effort.

Too often, people wait until they feel pain, fatigue or other symptoms before addressing their health, she said. Instead, Harvey emphasized the importance of preventive measures and early action to improve overall well-being.

Harvey added while she relates closely to the Black community, her message is broader, aimed at people who share a similar spirit and heart. She added that justice and equity must be fought for by all, regardless of race, because everyone deserves a chance to live with dignity.

“King has been my hero and my idol through these years. Whenever I would want to give up and stop, I knew that I had to continue because he gave his life for us to have a better life, and that better life is now in our hands,” Harvey said.