SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- Hundreds of young people took the stage at the MassMutual Center on MLK day, telling Springfield something important: They’re not waiting to make a difference. They’re doing it right now.

We spoke to President & CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Shannon Rudder who says, “I think we, for this year, we thought about, like, what is it that we need to hear as a people? And so, this year’s theme is very action oriented. We are reclaiming the dream.”

A powerful message from twelve local organizations bringing area youth to the MassMutual Center for the MLK day collaborative’s annual event. The theme: “Restoring Justice and Reclaiming the Dream.”

Young participants shared “Letters to Dr. King.” They created art about justice, and heard from leaders like Shannon Rudder, who told them they don’t have to wait to lead.

“I think it’s really important to recognize that we, the people, have power, right? We have the power to make the decisions for today, and to shape our futures. And I think that that’s what Dr. King would want us to do, is to stand together in unity, to really think about what the world that we want to live in is. And it’s important to help our youth to understand that they are not leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders of today,” Rudder continued.

The event brought together local artists, programs, and people of all ages. One interactive art installation, “Justice Looks Like Me,” let attendees show their commitment to justice visually.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services is one of the twelve collaborative members. They call themselves “Keepers of the Dream,” working year-round to build what dr. king called a “beloved community.”

The message on Monday was clear: Springfield’s young people aren’t waiting for permission to lead. As one organizer puts it, they’re reclaiming the dream, and they’re doing it right now.

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