ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Community organizations across Albany put Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy into action Monday with a cleanup initiative in East Albany.

Lawrence McCray, who typically coaches youth basketball for the East International Trojans program, brought his young athletes together to revitalize their neighborhood.

McCray says he channeled his passion for mentorship.

“Because at the end of the day, we want our community to come together. We want to show a sign of togetherness. And if we come together and do something like this, we can start changing the narrative in our community and set a different tone,” McCray said.

The young volunteers chose to invest their day off in their community rather than pursue other activities.

“I’ve seen a lot of people ride past us and just roll it off. But, you know, we’re just out here trying to help the community and everything, trying to clean up. We need more adults out here. Like to set an example. Set an example for other kids that are younger than you,” one volunteer said.

City and county leaders and local organizations also held their own cleanup, demonstrating how small actions can have a great impact.

Dougherty County Commissioner Anthony Jones participated in the cleanup.

“And we want to send an appeal out to all of the folks who are throwing trash down. We want to ask them to join in with us to help clean up our community. Because, boy, it looks so good out here today,” Jones said.

Local leaders say they will continue to host community cleanups throughout the year and are urging residents to get involved and be part of the solution.

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