CARY,  N.C. – People across North Carolina are celebrating and honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through a variety of events and community service opportunities.

The civil rights icon is credited for leading the movement to end segregation and counter prejudice in the United States.

For the last 20 years, the town of Cary has been hosting Dreamfest: a weekend-long event featuring a variety of performances, food and multiple community service projects.

Organizer Kim Roberts, the cultural program leader for the town of Cary, expects this will be their biggest year yet.

“We have a large service component this year. There is a walk. It's sponsored by Mount Zion Church, one of the oldest African American churches in Cary," Roberts said. "And what they're doing is they want to bring attention to people that have been victims of abuse. And so, they're asking the general public to come out and walk, but also to bring some personal hygiene items with them as well.”

They’re also facilitating volunteer landscaping opportunities at Good Hope Farm and ways to donate items to those in need.

Roberts hopes people will be inspired to get involved in social justice, in service and work to learn more about history and how everyone needs opportunities.

“The field is still not equal,” Roberts said. “We’re dealing with issues of equity and equality, and there’s a lot of work that needs to be done to progress forward.”

“So I think this is a great opportunity to bring awareness,” Roberts said.