The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. sparked a movement of nonviolence during the civil rights era as his riveting  “I Have a Dream” speech of equality echoed throughout the nation.

Nearly 50 years after King’s 1963 speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, residents of Selma will also commemorate King’s legacy on Sunday, Aug. 28 with an “I Have a Dream for Selma” celebration inside the Songs of Selma Park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The free event is open to the public and will include a recital of King’s historic speech, poetry, music, speakers and food. The event was supposed to coincide with the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington, which was postponed due to Hurricane Irene.

Started by civil rights minister the Rev. James Bevel in 1965, Bevel passed the baton to Selma resident Queen Jackson, who currently spearheads the event annually. The event is a chance for the public to voice its concerns about Selma, Jackson said.

Program sponsor and former interim director for the Slavery and Civil War Museum Yomi Goodall believes it’s important for all Americans to remember King’s speech and to come together at “the table of brotherhood.”

“The speech so eloquently shows the trials and tribulations of our country,” Goodall said. “We’ve made some great strides, but we’re still not there. All races are invited to come out (to the event) and share. We want everyone to sit at the table together and commune. Even if it’s a handful, it’s still symbolic and will echo what’s going on in Washington.”

The celebration, Goodall said, also highlights the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington in August 1963, which drew more than 200,000 people.

“The march was significant because it brought unity of all races, equality, freedom and jobs,” Goodall said. “The King monument is extremely appropriate to be unveiled on Sunday.“

During the event, Goodall will portray Harriet Tubman and will speak on King’s contributions and the responsibility of all Americans — black and white, together.

“I’ve fallen in love with the community … I love history,” Goodall said. “I want to share my talents because there’s so much to be done in Selma.”

For more information about the event, contact Jackson at 526-1773.

The $120 million King memorial was 15 years in the making. It sits on 4 acres and rests near the memorials of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.