MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- More than 200 volunteers spent their day giving back to the community in the form of mural, mosaic and bench making. It’s the annual tradition of spending Dr. Martin Luther King Day “on,” even though students and teachers are off for the holiday.

City Year has been hosting its annual MLK Day of Service for 16 years. This year, Humboldt Park School is getting 28 murals plus buddy benches.

“It remains the only federal holiday where it is dedicated to community service,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Many of you may be volunteering alongside people you’ve never met before, you may come from different backgrounds, and carry different perspectives and stories and I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to foster community.”

They hope to keep MLK's legacy alive by being the example of unity and community.

Jelani Lawson CBS 58

For Jelani Lawson, it’s about brotherhood.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated," said Lawson.

Lawson hopes to continue to spread Dr. King’s message.

“Remember that today is the day for growth and continuous change— that the fight isn’t over. There’s always progress to be made,” said Lawson.

Volunteers will work on beautifying Humboldt Park School from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.