Corning, NY (WENY) -- The Elmira Corning Chapter of the NAACP is getting a jump start on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. MLK Jr. Day is Monday, January 18th but Friday night, on January 15th, MLK’s actual birthday, they hosted a virtual celebration.

It wasn't a typical MLK celebration. The Elmira Corning NAACP hosted their celebration via Zoom. This year's program was entitled "Remembering the dream and dreamer.” A central message running through the virtual program was continuing the fight, especially during the civil unrest at the nation’s capital. Also that some issues of the past are problems today.

“Dr. King fought for economic equality, employment, citizenship, and access to safe affordable housing and many of these issues remain a top priority today,” said Olivia Khristan.

King's message of unity was a constant theme. One of the guest speakers was Rev. Milton French.

“Though we arrived on different ships, we are all in the same boat now. The events of last Wednesday, January the 6th affirm that thesis,” said Rev. French.

Rev. French preached changes that have been made between MLK’s times and today. For instance, segregation has been outlawed. But other problems like overt racism, like police killings, still exist.  But Rev. French argued that the torch has been passed to a new generation.

“A legacy has been left for us. And a mandate has been passed to us. In this generation we have a charge to keep, said Rev. French.

Included in that new generation where two students, one a student in the Corning Painted-Post School District, the other at Clark Summit University. They mentioned what MLK day means to them and how the events at the capitol won't stop them from fighting.

“We can move past this by continuing to do what we've already been doing, spreading awareness, speaking up, and making sure our voices are heard and known,” said Arianna.

“I don't think that we are where he would want us to be and I think that's where my generation and generations to come in, where we can help carry out his goals,” said Stephon.

No matter the speaker they all made sure to continue to preach King’s legacy of nonviolence. And for those picking up the mantle from their parents and grandparents Georgia Verdier the president of the Elmira Corning NAACP chapter made sure they never forget the foundation Dr. King built.

“We need to remember our history and remember our foundations so we can continue to build a strong structure,” said Verdier.

Friday, January 15th would have been King's 92nd birthday. For more information on the Elmira/Corning Chapter of the NAACP go to http://www.elmiracorningnaacp.org.