“Because of his role in helping us achieve equity in the United States, and also because it reminds us that there is still work to be done.”

— Jennifer Ng, professor, Lawrence

“Because he was brave enough to stand up and demand equality for African-Americans. And the people who were violent to him, he showed them peace.”

— Jim Morton, Deerfield School second-grader, Lawrence

“He sparked the civil rights revolution and brought people in America together to fight racism.”

— Aarti Bajaj, Kansas University graduate student, Lawrence

“He was a wonderful American who was the face of peace in the civil rights movement. He's an excellent role model, and I think every American benefits from the work he did.”

— Marcy Bray, Johnson County Community College freshman, Lawrence