TEXARKANA - Traditional hymns, chorales and freedom songs ignited an evening of celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's birthday on Friday with nearly 200 people packing the Texarkana Regional Arts Center.
Being the 20th annual African American Voice and musical tribute to Dr. King, it seemed to have special flair to it.
"Twenty years ago, we wanted to have the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council reach out to the African American community and that's how our TRACH African American Committee took form," said TRACH Chief Executive Officer Brian Goesl.
"At first, we had just about dozen people come out to these annual tributes to Dr. King. But now we have well over 100 come out this time each year to take in the celebration."
Joyce Campbell, who served as a past TAAC Committee president, said the program draws both children and adults every year.
"Dr. King's principles of nonviolence, justice and equality have reached all ages," she said.