See how this day off for most people became a day to pitch in and help other people who could use a helping hand.

Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day came early in Kansas, beginning on his birthday with a march, a formal proclamation and words honoring the beloved civil rights figure. The Jan. 16 event, put on annually by the Kansas African American Affairs Commission,

Two Wichita groups have organized three events to commemorate the life and ideals of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday — Monday, Jan. 20 — that recognizes the civil rights leader’s birthday.