On Monday, the nation came together to honor the late Martin Luther King, Jr. for his contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
President Reagan signed the holiday into law back in 1983.
This year marks 50 years since Dr. King's assassination in Memphis. He would have been 89-years-old if he were alive today.
Hundreds marched through the streets of Nashville to Tennessee State University's campus for their commemorative convocation, and this year's theme was "Investing in Our Children, Investing in Our Future."
While much of the focus was on providing a good example for today's youth and teaching them to love instead of hate, there was also talk about the hate and divisiveness coming out of Washington D.C.
Many in attendance voiced their opinion that the teachings and ideals of Dr. King are more important today than they've been in years.
This year, President Trump is encouraging Americans to observe the Federal Holiday by doing acts of civic work and community service.
Two years ago on this day, Martin Luther King III marched with the people of Nashville on his father’s birthday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. #MLKDaypic.twitter.com/F6aJvBj6Rj
— Jesse Knutson (@JesseKnutsonNC5) January 15, 2018
In Nashville, hundreds gathered to run a 5K at 8 a.m. at the East Park Community Center. The race benefited a local scholarship fund for kids to attend camps put on by Barefoot Republic.
The 5K also came with some lane closures along Woodland Street.
Just in time for MLK Day, 14 Southern states are also teaming up to promote the region's civil rights history.
The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a tourism website and campaign that will highlight about 130 sites that are linked to the civil rights movement, including Nashville which was best known for its lunch sit-ins.
