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North Miami Community Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- North Miami community members gathered Wednesday to honor a historic figure of the civil rights movement in the U.S.

Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. day on Monday, North Miami Mayor Smith Joseph awarded tickets to students for the Golden-Globe nominated film "SELMA" based on King Jr.'s struggle to secure equal voting rights.

Click here to watch Travell Eiland's report. 

Those who got the tickets are students who were chosen based on their written reflections on why we honor Martin Luther King Jr. The winners will be presented at the event.

"More than ever, this movie will resonate deeply with our young people. It's an important period in our country's history.  Our children today should learn about the heroic struggle Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led in Selma, Alabama during the civil rights movement," explained Mayor Joseph.

"Unfortunately his life has been cut down to, 'I have a dream.' They can tell you that part and they can tell you okay he marched but they can't tell you he has been to prison why was he in prison why was he going through all of this what the true meaning of the 'I have a dream' speech was all about so its good to have this to get the kids informed and have knowledge," said parent Jeanette Desir.

The community was also invited to partake in the event through a  vigil honoring  King Jr. in the MOCA Plaza, located at 770 NE 125 Street which started at 6 p.m.

Students also honored him through various performances.

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