Martin Luther King III spoke last night in Gates Concert Hall about achieving a nonviolent world by eliminating poverty, discrimination and militarism.

The second oldest son of Martin Luther King Jr. stressed the importance of saying that Americans should “observe” rather than “celebrate” his father’s birthday because the civil rights leader’s dream has not yet been achieved.

“Our world is at war and we as human beings are not doing enough to change it,” said King.

Around 600 students and faculty attended King’s speech which kicked off two weeks of events honoring the legacy of the civil rights leader.

King identified the three main forms of violence that plague today’s society. He echoed the words of his father by calling on individuals to bring about change by taking a stand against poverty, discrimination and militarism. In addition to the problems caused by the three forms of “violence,” King discussed the economic gap between rich and poor, unequal opportunities for minorities and the war in Iraq.

“I oppose my country’s involvement in the war in Iraq,” said King.

“I hoped that we would respond in a different way but we chose to respond in the way that we always do, with force and power and might.”

This remark was met with applause from the audience.

King’s answer to overcoming the obstacles to create an integrated society where all individuals are equal was nonviolence. The power of nonviolence is accessible to all people and does not discriminate, said King. He emphasized the importance of teaching nonviolence to young people.

“We must create a generation that understands that peace is not just the goal but the way as well,” said King.

King concluded by asking audience members to commit themselves to creating the “beloved community” his father envisioned and fought for.

“Today I challenge all of us to declare ourselves citizens of the worldwide community,” said King.

The series of events honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. will run through Jan. 30. The two weeks of activities will be a “celebration of inclusiveness,” according to the Martin Luther King Planning Committee. Other events include a Social Justice Interactive Theatre luncheon, a multi-faith event at the Hilal house, poetry for social justice open mic night, and a speech by a former African American Ku Klux Klan member.