Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker exhorted Brenau University audience members Thursday afternoon to act on Martin Luther King Jr.’s example and do their part to improve society.

"Never underestimate your ability to affect change," Baker said to a group of students, faculty and other guests attending Brenau’s winter convocation in Pearce Auditorium.

The convocation generally serves as a reflective and spiritual occasion for the college, with the winter convocation held in observance of Martin Luther King Day, which will be observed Monday.

The event featured a faculty processional into the auditorium, inspirational songs, a singing of the college alma mater and prayers by the Rev. Donald Harrison, university chaplain.

"I want you to reflect upon those who came before you and touched your life, and I also want you to reflect on a life that you’ve touched," said Jessica Alexander, president of Brenau’s Silhouettes, a campus club that promotes understanding and acceptance of diversity issues..

Baker retraced King’s life and the civil rights movement’s beginning with Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat in a Montgomery, Ala., bus.

"The words (King) spoke continue to inspire and challenge us to finish his work," Baker said. "And we’ve got a lot of work to do."

In his speech, he referred to a number of historic figures who took bold steps for equality and civil rights, including Mahatma Ghandi, Jackie Robinson and President Jimmy Carter.

He said ordinary citizens can consider their personal role in making the world a better place.

"What are you doing to make this a model community to live in?" Baker said.