Martin Luther King Jr. Day marked by 'No Shots Fired' plea

Martin Luther King Jr. Day marked by ‘No Shots Fired’ plea

1/11

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014 was marked in a variety of ways including a Google Doodle and a call to make today “No Shots Fired” Day in honor of King’s dedication to nonviolence. Here’s a look at other ways in which the day was remembered: (Reg Lancaster / Getty Images)

2/11

Members of the Brotherhood Choir performed a gospel song as part of observances held at Eglin’s East Gate Chapel in Eglin, Fla. (Devon Ravine / Associated Press)

3/11

Schoolchildren visited King’s grave site in Atlanta. King was born in Atlanta on Jan. 15, 1929. He was gunned down April 4, 1968. Had he lived, he would have just celebrated his 85th birthday. (David Goldman / Associated Press)

4/11

Sakidra Davis carried the civil rights leader’s image during the 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration parade and march, held in Dallas this weekend. (Sarah Hoffman / Associated Press)

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Minister Mike Yates took a photograph of a 5-foot, 8-inch cake crafted to represented King’s presence during a birthday celebration this weekend at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Conroe, Texas. Fried catfish, corn dogs and barbecue were also on the celebratory menu. (Ana Ramirez / Associated Press)

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People marched down Washington Street toward Greater Norris Chapel Baptist Church during the Henderson County Black History Committee’s Celebration in Henderson, Ky. (Darrin Phegley / Associated Press)

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Two single red roses were placed near the tomb of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, in Atlanta. (Erik S. Lesser / EPA)

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The men’s choir from the People’s Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Md., sang at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Charles Dharapak / Associated Press)

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A commemorative service was held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. (Erik S. Lesser / EPA)

10/11

Vice President Joe Biden, with the Rev. Al Sharpton, speaks at the National Action Network’s annual King Day Breakfast, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images)

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A packed crowd attends the annual Martin Luther King Jr. service at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. (Erik S. Lesser / EPA)

By Rene Lynch

Jan. 20, 2014 11:26 AM PT

Martin Luther King, Jr., was honored Monday with parades, marches, a Google Doodle -- and a poignant plea to turn this holiday into a “No Shots Fired” Day.

The King Center, devoted to King’s philosophy of nonviolence while working to eliminate poverty and racism, has cast a harsh light on the work that still needs to be done by launching a new campaign calling on the world to abstain from all forms of violence Monday.

And not just gun violence.

PHOTOS: MLK and the civil rights struggle

The center urged everyone to avoid violent images in the media. Violent lyrics in music. Violent video games. Violent language. And any kind of physical violence.

“Let’s honor Dr. King by abstaining from violence on his holiday,” the Choose Nonviolence campaign urges.

The civil rights leader was born in Atlanta on Jan. 15, 1929. The third Monday in January is the day the nation sets aside to honor the iconic figure who was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis. On Monday, there were also church services, the pealing of bells, and the laying of flowers at his grave site in Atlanta and at his memorial in Washington, D.C., to recognize his fight for peace and equality.

A Google Doodle incorporated white doves and imagery of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

“Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violence is more relevant, I believe, than it was 10 years ago,” King’s daughter, Bernice, told Reuters. “America has an enormous appetite for violence. I don’t know why we have such an affinity for that, but I do know it has to stop.”

How are you honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? Tweet me @renelynch

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