VIDEO: Newark Sings in Praise of King

The celebration of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. went beyond the in Newark.

Residents, dignitaries and students gathered at Thursday for the 24th anniversary celebration of "Sing in Praise of King," an hour-long show that depicted King's influence during the civil rights era through song, dance and guest speakers. The Diversity Youth Theater ensemble performed an abridged version of "The Movement," which portrayed the civil rights movement from a young person's perspective, while the American History High School choir belted out inspirational tunes.

With this year's theme "The Freedom Riders: How their courage changed America then and now," Newark-bred Dr. Robert Curvin, the keynote speaker, spoke about his experience as a Freedom Rider in the 1960s. Curvin founded and led the Newark-Essex chapter of Congress of Racial Equality, the third oldest civil rights group in America.

Watch the video to learn more about "Sing in Praise of King."