WINONA LAKE — Even long after they have passed on, an individual’s words and character can still speak to people. That was the message of former Brooklyn Dodger baseball player Carl Erskine during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration event on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center.

During his time on the Brooklyn Dodgers in the late 1940s to the 1950s, Erskine pitched two no-hitters, and was on the team that won the 1955 World Series. Erskine had a hand in the integration in baseball when he was a teammate with Robinson.

Erskine spoke of the legacies that his former teammate Jackie Robinson and Dr. MLK Jr. built during their lives. He mentioned how the two propionates of racial equality made a difference just by living lives with integrity and character.

During the event, Erskine mentioned that individuals need to hear the “echoes” of the great man that DR. MLK Jr. was. “Mr. King, we hear your echo,” said Erskine.

Erskine talked at length about the need to be faithful in doing the right thing, even if it seems like the action is small. He attributed the continuation of the movements in racial equality to many people doing small things that have led to big changes. Erskine noted during Robinson’s entire baseball career, Robinson never lashed out at anyone, even when he may have been treated unfairly due to the color of his skin.

He noted that while the country has not reached the point of complete racial equality, it has made great strides. Erskine stated he has passion for the unification of races and is an advocate for individuals with special needs to have access to the same opportunities others receive. Erskine mentioned how he hopes to see individuals with special needs become more integrated into society.

He mentioned that when he received his world series ring, he thought there could be no greater award. Yet, when his son received a medal for winning the 50m freestyle in the Special Olympics, Erskine said his thoughts changed.

He asked, “Which represents the greater achievement?”

After his speech, Warsaw Community Schools’ Superintendent Hoffert asked Erskine questions that students and staff had prepared. Hoffert asked Erskine what was the most important piece of advice he could give to individuals. Erskine said what he has learned is that ultimately it does not matter what obstacles or trials individuals have to go through, he believes the key to success is, “You have to believe in who you are.”

During the event, Hoffert awarded Warsaw Community High School student Callie Green the annual Dr. MLK Jr. scholarship. According to a Warsaw Community Schools the scholarship is awarded to, “Current senior students who demonstrate excellence and encompasses the heart of Dr. King through acts of community service and by enriching the lives of others.”

This was the 29th annual event to commemorate Dr. MLK Jr. The event was put on by the committee to commemorate Dr. MLK Jr., Warsaw Community Schools and Grace College.