DUBLIN, Ga. — As Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, people are remembering the role he played in the Civil Rights Movement, including one man in Dublin.
"My mother took me to church at an early age," James Holder said.
He grew up during a time of racial inequality.
"[We'd] walk right past a school to go all the way across town to attend a segregated school, which was Susie Dasher and Oconee High," Holder said.
He says using segregated bathrooms and water fountains made growing up tough, but says a run-in he had with the police ignited him to protest for equal rights.
"I was in the car with my lady friend and the sheriff's deputies did not have any respect for the female that was sitting in the car," Holder said. "I would go in a restaurant and they would not serve me. I would take a bag lunch and I would sit in there and eat my lunch."
Holder says the assassination of King motivated him to play a bigger role in the Civil Rights Movement by joining the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
"I sought to try and make a difference, and when necessary I would have a protest," Holder said.
Today, Holder still serves with the SCLC and says he thankful of how far African-Americans have come as a people.
"Every time I go into a bank or a store and see people working there, you know it makes me feel good because I know I had a part in making that happen," Holder said.
He added that he doesn't have any plans on slowing down anytime, so he's going to keep fighting to make sure everybody has a fair shot at life no matter their skin color.