The event included a video presentation featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state leaders about how Dr. King's message can help during difficult times. Walz saying our future is in good hands
"I feel incredibly optimistic and positive when I'm around young people," says Walz, " they're rejecting this idea that things can't be better."
The event's 40th year almost didn't happen, according to Minnesota Chief Equity Officer Ashley Oolman.
"Folks deliberated if we should gather," Oolman says, "Some even pondered if we're even still united. What do you think, Minnesota? Are we?"
First Lady Gwen Walls recalling how Doctor King weathered tough times.
"It feels sometimes like we're even taking a couple of steps backwards. Doctor King understood that. He knew that he lived that and he saw that as part of the journey."
Program leaders discussed whether or not to hold this year's event over safety concerns.
The milestone event, titled "One Dream One Minnesota: Echoes of Unity," featured keynote addresses from renowned journalist Soledad O’Brien and University of Maryland President Emeritus Dr. Freeman Hrabowski.
The historic gathering serves as the culmination of a week-long series of statewide activities focused on artistry, storytelling, and community reflection to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice.
It's also one of the longest-running and largest state-led MLK celebrations in the nation.