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Those who couldn't travel to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration had a chance to join the celebrations right here in Wichita. It was part of the annual Martin Luther King, Jr, Day service at the WSU Hughes Metroplex.
"This is a part of history today as we celebrate the legacy of one and we celebrate the vision of the other," said Wichita's Vice Mayor Lavonta Williams about the coinciding dates.
"It's what the Bible says, all men were created equal," said Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer.
For many the re-election of Barack Obama represents a huge step toward the fulfillment of a dream. They say that's something worth celebrating, whether they agree with his politics or not.
So, when Obama's second inauguration fell on Martin Luther King,Jr, Day, it didn't take long to decide to make it a part of the annual MLK service.
"What an experience," said Williams.
"It's truly a day of celebration for everybody," said Brewer.
Wichita Vice Mayor Lavonta Williams was one of those honored for her service at the celebration. She sees the two events on the same day as an opportunity for more kansans to take part in making history.
"For me that kind of gives me goosebumps because it is handing the torch," said Williams. "I think that's what we look for, is, who do we hand that torch to next?"
Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer watched the president's Inaugural Address with his grandmother's predictions in mind.
"Someday we'll have an African American president. But, she says, 'I'll never see it in my lifetime and you may not ever see it in your lifetime, but it'll happen,'" said Brewer.
She's still alive.
Now Brewer hopes Obama will serve to inspire other minorities to become national leaders.
"Now you can tell your children, 'Well, see, if he did it, you can do it.' And we've never had that in this country," said Brewer.
Wichita's Vice Mayor attended Obama's first inauguration four years ago. She said attending an inauguration is one way of becoming a part of history.
The Greater Wichita Ministerial League that organizes the annual MLK Celebration surprised Mayor Brewer with its President's Award for his service to the community.
He accepted on behalf of all those who'd helped him along the way. He says that's the only way this country can completely fulfill Dr. King's dream, by working together.