DAPHNE, Ala. — The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of 25 people at Saturday’s “Not a day off, moving a dream forward” ceremony.

The Baldwin County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee honored the slain civil rights leader and three citizens for community service efforts at an awards breakfast.

The crowd enjoyed a southern-style breakfast and inspirational words from journalist Rhoda Pickett.

Pickett, the keynote speaker, read about King’s accomplishments and commended his ability to unite people.

“Celebrations of his (King’s) legacy have brought people together from all walks of life,” she said.

Pickett praised King for bringing equality to blacks.

“Much is said of those who do God’s work,” Pickett said. “The U.S. and even the world has changed for the better.”

Saturday’s awards honored people who made positive changes in their community, continuing King’s work.

The Baldwin County Citizen of the Year award was presented to Daphne City Councilman John Lake. The award recognized community service, leadership, compassion and keeping King’s ideals.

“This is about educating people as to a dream,” Lake said. “This is about equality for all people.”

“For all the people who had to live through that time (of civil inequality) — I didn’t — I want to thank you for paving the way for me and my children,” he said.

Willie Williams, president of the Baldwin County Celebration Committee, explained Lake’s ability to accomplish goals as a council member.

“John Lake has been atypical as an elected official,” he said. “He’s able to navigate and compromise as far as getting things done.”

The Lizzie Bolton Organization Award, which honored an organization that accomplishes goals, mission and service to residents of Baldwin County, went to the Rev. James Crook of Bay Minette. His wife accepted the award for him.

The Mary Cox Community Service, which recognized an ethical individual or organization, went to Ann Smith of Foley. Williams accepted it in her behalf.

Williams said the recognition from such awards encourages positive actions.

Raising images of civil-rights leaders for which the awards were named, he regarded them as good role models.

“If we can live up to the ideals of the leaders the awards are named after, we know that young people are really going to do some tremendous things here in Baldwin County,” he said.