Values of MLK Jr. taught at conference

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A youth conference held Saturday at the University of New Mexico aimed at keeping young people motivated and out of jail.

Kids from all over the state learned life saving lessons at the 12th annual "Keeping the Dream Alive" youth conference. The conference is named for Martin Luther King Jr.

Former astronaut Joan Higginbotham was Saturday's keynote speaker.

"For kids, absolutely, dreams really can come true. I'm living proof, if I can do it, I know they can do so much more, that's my motto," Higginbotham said.

The New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission organized the event, and nearly 300 students registered.

Children aged 10 to 17 attended workshops on nonviolence, responsible living and the importance of getting an education.

The children were told that nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people, and that it chooses love instead of hate.