The Yolo County Board of Supervisors honored the legacy of one of America’s most influential Civil Rights leaders during their most recent meeting.

On Tuesday, Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs presented a resolution to fellow residents that the board recognized as living the dream of Martin Luther King Jr., whose advocacy and practice of nonviolent protest catapulted the Civil Rights Movement and its legacy.

“This is an opportunity to reflect on, of course, on the incredible legacy and life of Dr. [Martin Luther] King, who was born in … Atlanta, Georgia, and became a symbol for hope and change for millions with his unwavering commitment to justice, equity and nonviolence,” Frerichs shared with the board.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established nationally in 1983 by then-President Ronald Reagan, but California was among one of the first states to recognize King’s legacy by Gov. Jerry Brown. The day is meant to honor the hard work of the pastor who became synonymous with the fight for racial equity and equality for all.

From the beginning of his traveling in 1956 up until the weeks just before his assassination in 1968, King was a frequent visitor to the Golden State — more specifically, Los Angeles. In fact, he held several lectures, including one in 1964.

“Men hate each other because they fear, they fear because they do not know one another, and they do not know one another because they are separated,” King proclaimed.

Now, over 60 years later, Frerichs presented a resolution from the county to Yolo County School Superintendent Dr. Garth Lewis and Director of the Culture C.O-.O.P Sandy Holman, both of them deserving of being the ones to receive the resolution according to the supervisor.

Holman addressed the board and thanked them for their work in continuing to prioritize equity and helping those in need.

“Thank you to … everyone who is committed to making a difference in a world where people are hurting,” she said. “As we all know, [King’s] legacy goes on all year, all 365 days.”

Lewis talked about how King’s work allowed him the opportunity to be in the position he sits in today, and without King, this country might not have been as receptive to the changes it has seen since his death.

“In the face of direct threats to his life, he continued with nonviolence, using it as a tool to show radical love and resistance,” Lewis explained. “I recognize I live at a time of which I am privileged to benefit from the personal sacrifice of Dr. King to be able to occupy the space that I lead from. I don’t take that lightly, and I am very grateful for what King symbolizes in our country.”