The Boys and Girls Club of Easton focused on the problem of bullying during a tribute to the life of Martin Luther King held at the club's teen center on Monday evening.

The community played King's “I Have a Dream” speech and viewed a film by local film maker Gershon Hinkson that addressed the issues surrounding bullying, “The Turtle & The Nightingale.” A question and answer session followed.

The film and Hinkson was introduced by West Ward resident Noel Jones, who drew parallels between the civil rights movement and bullies in everyday life.

“He reached out at a time where there was a lot of violence and said it doesn't have to be that way,” Jones said, adding that the message of Hinkson's film is similar to King's.

In “The Turtle & The Nightingale,” a short independent film that is in it's final editing stages, Hinkson explores the reasons behind bullying with a tale of three 12-year-olds in London.

“Would I have it in me to stand up to an entire country?” Hinkson asked while introducing the film to the audience. “And say, 'We're not having it anymore'? That in essence is what Martin Luther King did and said to our country.”

Hinkson praised the club members' drill and basketball teams for their discipline and commitment, and said inspiration can be gained from leaders like King when life presents difficulties.

“In that “I Have a Dream” speech, there are some of the keys to the mystery of life,” Hinkson said. “If you find that strength inside of you, you can do anything.”

Easton Mayor Sal Panto, who attended the event, praised the film and King's message.

“I think Gershon said it best. Put your mind to it and work for it,” Panto said, adding that community involvement is important.

“There's always something you can give back,” he said. “The best thing you can do for yourself and others is get involved in your community.”