The sounds of one community celebrating the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. filled the Sun Room of the Memorial Union Thursday afternoon.

Leonard Perry, director of Multicultural Student Affairs and master of ceremonies for the event, said he enjoyed the music of Shy of a Dozen, an all-white, 11-man a capella vocal group created by the ISU Department of Music.

“I love it when a myth is just shattered. Those boys have soul,” he said.

Also performing were the Gospel Soul Innovators, an ensemble of keyboards, drums and a choir. The ceremony commenced as the group led the audience in a sing-along to the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” with words by James Weldon Johnson.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy, who spoke after the performance, confessed, “That is really a tough act to follow.”

Angela Groh, Government of the Student Body President; Jonnell Marion, president of the Black Student Alliance and Katherine Charron, assistant professor of history, spoke during the celebration.

“One of the things I admire most about Dr. King is that he could walk the walk and talk the talk,” Charron said.

Marion quoted King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and said Monday was not only a day off, but a time to reflect on King’s legacy. He asked the audience what King would think if he were alive today.

“I think he would say ‘better, but there is still work to be done,'” Marion said.

Charron focused on her passion for the study of the people who put their lives on the line to stand behind King during the nonviolent marches and protests.

She also commented on the state of civil affairs today.

“The gap between the rich and poor in America is as wide as ever,” Charron said.

Geoffroy also gave away the first Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing One Community Awards to Carlie Tartakov, lecturer in curriculum and instruction, and the Ames YWCA.

“This is part of our efforts to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King and what he worked so hard to achieve,” Geoffroy said.