Hundreds gather downtown in Cedar Rapids to remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy

Photos to the right are of Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities elsewhere in the Corridor

CEDAR RAPIDS — As people gathered nationwide Monday to remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, a University of Iowa associate professor encouraged Iowans to have what may be a difficult conversation.

More than 450 people attended United Way of East Central Iowa's 29th annual Remembering Martin luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. In his keynote address, Michael Hill — an associate professor of English and African American studies at the University of Iowa — spoke of the need to take the conversation about diversity in Iowa to the next level.

Hill, who was born and raised in Monroe, Georgia, began by noting the lack of diversity in Iowa. Citing U.S. Census Bureau statistics, he said that of the 3 million people who live in Iowa as of 2013, 5.5 percent are Hispanic or Latino; 3.3 percent are black or African-American; and two percent are Asian.

Hill called for true collaboration among all Iowans, including those from diverse backgrounds. Those conversations are not always easy, he said.

Karl Cassell, president and CEO of Horizons and member of the Remembering Martin luncheon committee, reflected on how to begin creating such an environment.

'Just being next to someone doesn't necessarily equate to establishing an authentic relationship and having those authentic conversations,' Cassell said. 'Really having the conversation that might make us uncomfortable — at least, perspectives on where we are — that's a good place to start.'

Hill and Cassell both spoke about the need for more diversity amongst Iowans, but also, more unity among people who call this state home and around the country.

'This celebration ... speaks volumes for the community,' Cassell said. 'We want to be those folks today that are on the front line of injustice and equality, much like those folks who were back then.'

Also during Monday's luncheon, 20 students were recognized for demonstrating King's characteristics through their volunteer work, school attendance and positive behavior.