MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Community members packed the Marcus Performing Arts Center Monday, to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King and the students who won awards for their art, writing and speech projects. 

"I want to say something to the students that are being honored here today," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. "You're not just learning about Dr. King's legacy. I want you to know you're actually carrying it forward."

This year's theme is "True Peace."

"Dr. King didn't just dream of peace, he worked for it. He marched. He spoke out and he taught others how to fight injustice with love and courage," said first place speech winner Titania McHenry of Fernwood Montessori School. "And guess what? We can do that too."

The Marcus Center has held a celebration for Dr. King by highlighting creative Milwaukee students since 1984.