NORFOLK, Va. — The nation is marking the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on the holiday memorializing the civil rights leader.
Monday's holiday in King's name comes against the backdrop of a presidential election year.
In Atlanta, Monday's commemorations could draw attention to the continuing leadership role of the clergy in African American politics. U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia Republican appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp, plans to attend Monday's tribute at Ebenezer Baptist Church, which King and his father both led.
And in an early tribute to King, Vice President Mike Pence spoke Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee, at a church service recalling the challenges and accomplishments of the slain civil rights leader.
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Locally, there are several events going on around Hampton Roads to honor Dr. King.
In Norfolk, the city is hosting a ceremony at the Attucks Theatre on Church Street. Doors opened at 9 a.m. and the ceremony started at 10. Following the ceremony, the public is invited to march to the MLK Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony.
Over on the Peninsula, students at Hampton University hosted their own march, which started at 10:15 a.m. at the school's Emancipation Oak.
The march ended at Ogden Hall, where there will be a program honoring the life and work of Dr. King.
In Newport News, a food drive will honor King's legacy of service. It's happening at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They're asking for things like canned fruits, vegetables, cereal, and pasta, but they'll accept any non-perishable items and monetary donations.
Last year the food drive brought in the equivalent of over 26,000 meals!