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Martin Luther King Day celebrated in US with message of peace

"We don't want to forget the significance of what Dr. Martin Luther King did for civil rights and his contributions to society just for us to have equal rights." said Felicia Dugas, who is coordinating this year's Black Heritage Society parade on Monday, which more than 10,000 people are expected to attend.

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Martin Luther King Day celebrated in US with message of peace

"Overseas -- like with Russia and Ukraine -- if Dr. King was still alive now, he would be against the war, and he would promote unity and peace across the world," said Dugas. "He emphasized peace, love and unity. We are all created equal and we all are a human race and we should share respect and love one another."

On the most basic level, Dugas said that every person in society -- regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or religious background -- can do his or her part to make the world a better place, just like King did his entire life.

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Martin Luther King Day celebrated in US with message of peace

"Being kind to one another, smiling at someone. It's just a little token of love you can give to others that can go so many ways," said Dugas. "One person can make a difference. MLK was one person, but he made a huge difference that has transcended around the world."

To make sure King's legacy and teachings are not forgotten, Dugas expressed the importance of teaching the younger generation to not forget about the sacrifices he made to fight for the civil rights of those who once did not have a voice in society.

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Martin Luther King Day celebrated in US with message of peace

"Everyone, no matter where they live, needs to recognize all his kind acts that he's done. It's a philosophy that should be shared around the world," said Dugas. "To teach children and our young people and to show the world we can all come together to express what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. represents, that we want to be treated with dignity and respect."

"We can all get along."