BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - It was an auditorium filled with eager students and parents Monday afternoon, hoping to be empowered and learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Every year, the local NAACP chapter holds the presentation, but for the first time since its inception, this year's was held at Binghamton's East Middle School.

"I have a dream:" It's a message we've all heard growing up. But members of the NAACP say King's words are just as important for the youth of today as they were decades ago.

"We have to make sure that our children know where they came from and the sacrifices that people have done for them so that they understand that they have to learn. They must go to school and learn," said Binghamton NAACP President Vicky Brown.

"As long as we keep teaching the youth about our heroes such as Martin Luther King Jr., hopefully the world will be a better place and they can help carry the banner," said Binghamton resident Moses Smith.

Randall Edouard is an assistant vice provost at Binghamton University. He spoke to children at Binghamton's East Middle School about how King motivated him to be the person he is today.

"After I learned more, I learned a lot more," Edouard said. "It was forums like this that made me want to educate myself on our history, our great American history."

Edouard says with the recent crimes going on in the country today, it's easy to forget King's words. He says it's up to today's generation to carry on those messages and create a better future for the world.

"We will be a great nation. We will continue to be a great nation," Edouard said. "But the future is in their hands. It's our responsibility to make sure that they hear the right things and that they say the right things and that they do the right things."

Edouard says while African-Americans may always face challenges, it's all about how the individual handles them.

"Negativity is a powerful thing," he said, "and what I always tell people is the only thing that strikes negativity down is positivity, so be positive. Always think positive."