012025...R MLK FUN DAY 4...Warren...01-20-25....Tennille Robertson, 7, left, and Ava Davis, 9, both of Warren, draw their "Dreams" as in Martin Luther King Jr.'s " I had a dream" while attending the MLK Day Youth Workshop & Fun Day hosted by 2nd Baptist Church at the Triyounity Building Monday...by R. Michael Semple

WARREN — The Triyounity Building on Main Street SW came alive Monday as Warren Forward and Second Baptist Church “A House of Hope” hosted the third annual Martin Luther King Day Youth Workshop and Fun Day.

The event brought children from Warren and Youngstown together to learn, reflect and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through a series of interactive activities and engaging discussions.

Lea Dotson, a member of Warren Forward and one of the event’s organizers, talked about the importance of the day.

“The whole idea behind Martin Luther King Day is to inspire the next generation of leaders,” Dotson said. “In today’s climate, where there’s a push to limit diversity, equity and inclusion education, it’s more important than ever to teach our kids about unity, fairness and standing up for what’s right.”

The workshop featured activities for children of all ages, emphasizing Dr. King’s enduring lessons. Younger participants explored discrimination and teamwork through a hands-on activity inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “The Sneetches.”

“They learned that we’re better together and that differences should never divide us,” Dotson said.

Older children participated in a session exploring civil rights through abstract art, drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary leaders Dr. King, Malcolm X, Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai.

“We wanted them to see that protest and change can take many forms, including creativity and self-expression,” Dotson said.

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, the city’s first black mayor, joined the event to speak with the children, answering their questions and reflecting on what Dr. King’s legacy means to him.

“I’m literally standing on the shoulders of great men like Martin Luther King, who fought for our parents and grandparents to have the right to vote,” Franklin said. “He believed in the power of community and real change. That’s something you can apply in your own lives, stand up for what’s right, whether it’s at home, in school or in your neighborhood.”

Franklin also discussed the importance of using technology for activism, telling the children, “You have tools Dr. King and our ancestors never had. With your phones, you can reach thousands of people instantly. Use that power wisely to raise your voice about issues that matter to you and your community.”

He also reminded the young attendees of Dr. King’s core message of love.

“Sometimes you have to love people even when it’s tough,” Franklin said. “Spread kindness, support one another and lift your friends up. Your community is your power.”

Dotson and Franklin both stressed the importance of education and action in carrying forward Dr. King’s dream.

“If we don’t actively teach these values, who will?” Dotson asked. “We have to ensure our kids are prepared to lead and create a better future.”

Franklin encouraged the children to set goals and dream big, quoting Malcolm X, who said “Education is the passport to the future and the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

“Let’s not just honor Dr. King by remembering him,” Franklin said. “Let’s live out his values every single day. You are part of his legacy and you have the power to shape the future.”