HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative luncheon took place Jan. 17 at The Landing.

The event, hosted by the African American Heritage Committee and sponsored by the Team Hill Special Observance Council, is one of 10 Department of Defense special observances hosted by THSOC each year.

The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon was Dr. Wazir Jefferson, a Student Success Advocate with the Office of Undergraduate Studies in the Student Success and Empowerment Initiative and Special Assistant to the Associate Vice President for Equity and Diversity at the University of Utah.

Jefferson spoke about ways to honor the legacy of Dr. King by helping others to realize their potential. He discussed the importance of service and love in creating the ‘Beloved Community’ that Dr. King envisioned for the world.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. It serves as a time to reflect how each of us can support small changes that lead to large differences.

The third Monday in January is set aside annually to commemorate and honor the contributions of Dr. King. This holiday is a way to take Dr. King’s life and teachings and channel them into community action.

To learn more about the African American Heritage Committee or other special observances, email udg_75abw.eo_diversityexecs@us.af.mil.