“Living the dream and having all things in common” along with post-racism talk grazed the ears of about 350 audience members who attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast held today in the University Union Ballroom.

The annual service was sponsored by the National District Baptist Association and hosted by the Sacramento State’s Black Alumni Chapter.

The service consisted of speakers, including the Rev. Wayne Sheppard of St. Matthews Christian Church, the Rev. Kendell Young of Taylor Street Baptist Church and keynote speaker the Rev. Claybon Lea Jr. of California State Baptist Convention USA.

Lea spoke of ways to turn dreams into visions.

“We should be able to celebrate our diversity without everyone having to become monolithic in belief and practice,” Lea said, adding that people should work together to combat and eliminate racism. “We have to remember that Dr. King was concerned with equality for all people.”

Lea said people of color have made progressions in combating racism, but there is still a long way to go to eliminate it. He said President Barack Obama’s election does not mean racism among the black and other communities has gone away, but it is an advancement toward King’s dream of equality.

Attendee Faith King, who’s not related to the civil rights leader, agreed.

“(Pastor Lea’s speech) caused me to think more about what the big picture is and I can appreciate that,” she said. “Like the pastor said, it’s really about bringing us closer because if you think about it we really are the same person just with different color skin.”

Jackie Morris-Henderson, member of the Black Alumni Chapter, said it is important to recognize King’s accomplishments, especially on a university campus.

“We’re (one of) the most diverse campus in the CSU system,” she said. “I think it’s fitting for the celebration to be here on campus.”

Morris-Henderson said the service has been held at Sac State for the past nine years and said she feels holding it at the university makes the service more welcoming.

The service featured performances from the National District Baptist Association Praise Dancers, Daughters of Christ and York Quincia “Quincy” Elloie, who lead the “Black National Anthem.”

All proceeds will be used to fund next year’s event.

Nallelie Vega can be reached at [email protected]