Activists Pay Tribute to MLK's Legacy of Non-Violent Protest, Civil Rights Quest

Sunday night's cold and rain did not deter members of Occupy Redlands, Citizens Action for Peace, and two political candidates from honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.

About 30 people gathered on the southwest corner of Orange Street and Redlands Boulevard in Redlands, known as Peace Corner, to commemorate the civil rights leader's birthday with a candlelight vigil. The candles were placed around a sign that read, "Dream Like King."

"This is really close to my heart," said Sarah Tuttle, of Yucaipa. On her jacket collar, Tuttle wore an original Southern Christian Leadership pin she inherited from her family. She wears it proudly, she said.

Her family was involved in the civil rights movement for several years. Tuttle said she was an infant when many historic events took place.

The Occupy movement has carried on King's message, Tuttle said.

"I think we've affected change already," Tuttle said. "We've affected the dialogue. I'd like to see more diversity out here."

King "inspires all of us who consider ourselves activists," said Sean McDuffee, committee member with Occupy Redlands. "He dedicated his life to recognizing and fighting injustice through non-violent means."

King was born Jan. 15, 1929. More than four decades after his death, he continues to inspire people all over the world. Even in the face of violent aggression, King used the power of words and acts of nonviolent resistance to achieve change in the 1950s and 1960s.

He was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

"It's a blessing to have heroes like Dr. King who really gave his life to this. He brought us a long way," said Renae Wickman, a congressional candidate who participated in Sunday's vigil. "We still have a long road ahead of us but thank God we come this far."