The singers should replace “world” with “Tonganoxie.”

The group took him up on the suggestion and sang some more lines with the change.

That was just one of a few songs the choir sang Monday during Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations at The Jewel on Main.

Owner Roz McCommon organized the event, which featured several songs, as well as exhibits set up throughout the venue’s theater.

The theater’s lights were shut off for the evening, but lamps and spotlights shed light on newspaper clippings about and photos of Martin Luther King Jr. as audio of his “I Have a Dream” speech resonated throughout the theater. McCommon also placed 20 of King’s quotes throughout the concourse and in the theater.

The Rev. Regina Still, an area pastor, recited a poem she had written. The poem told of challenges of her ancestors and stressed that they were “victors not the victims” in overcoming so many challenges and oppressions.

Still’s poem was part of a program that was offered twice Monday night in The Jewel’s concourse area.

The choir sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” along with “We Shall Overcome.”

The group, often times with help from the audience, performed those songs, as well as “Amen” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

Yolanda Willingham, who sang in the choir, was one of about 35 people to attend the event.

Willingham, who lives in Kansas City, Mo., said this was her first visit to The Jewel on Main.

“This experience is the essence of what Martin Luther King Jr. stood for,” Willingham said.

No matter religion or color of skin or other differences, people were joined together, she said.

Willingham said she was glad she made the trip to Tonganoxie for the event.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity,” she said. “I feel honored to be a part of it.

McCommon continues to add new events to the venue’s lineup, but this particular observance was additionally special to McCommon

“It feels good to be a part of this,” she said, noting that her having her own business partially was made possible because of what King did for civil rights in America.

McCommon hopes to expand on the inaugural celebration and offer something new to Tonganoxie.

One thing is for sure: McCommon is gearing up for next January and once again working to honor King.

“I’ve already got it on the calendar,” McCommon said.