CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago commemorated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at its 40th annual interfaith breakfast held on Friday.

This longstanding tradition unites community and religious leaders from all over the city. The focus of this year’s observance was “Defending our democracy, protecting our rights.”

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The breakfast, a tradition started by Mayor Harold Washington, continues to draw significant participation.

This year’s keynote address was delivered by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris expressed, “I know the people of Chicago will uniquely understand that the fight requires courage. It requires us to show up, even when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We will continue the fight with determination, with resilience, and dare I say, with joy.”

The former presidential candidate drew parallels between Dr. King’s fight for civil rights and the battle against the Trump administration.

“What would Dr. King see if he looked at America now?” Harris said. “When the president of the United States calls the civil rights movement quote, ‘reverse discrimination.’ We are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Never mentioning the president by name, Harris used the refrain “sick and tired” several times, as she tapped into the current struggle with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago and Minneapolis. While giving no hints about her own political future, Harris called upon Chicago leaders not to give up.

“This is a moment not to throw up our hands, but a moment to roll up our sleeves, to organize, to register people, to vote,” Harris said.

Jacqueline Jackson, the wife of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Rev. David Black, from First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, were presented with the Champion of Freedom award.

Surveillance video shown during Border Patrol Cmdr. Greg Bovino’s deposition shows Black being shot in the head with pepper balls during tense moments between federal agents and protesters outside the Broadview processing center in September.

“I feel so strongly that although I’m being honored today, this award belongs to so many Chicagoans, including faith leaders who have been stepping up anonymously and so courageously facing down the evil of ICE, and trying to protect neighbors,” Black said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who led the breakfast, said in a statement, in part, “The Vice President could be anywhere, and the fact that she chose to come to our city and lift up the work we are doing to defend our democracy means a lot to the people of Chicago. Vice President Harris is a trailblazer and a staunch defender of the freedoms and rights of everyday Americans. We are honored to host her and look forward to a historic MLK Interfaith Breakfast this year.”

He gave a rousing campaign-like speech.

“While some people in this city are looking at the election in 2027, I’m looking today to make sure that people can put food on table,” Johnson said.

The annual celebration is also meant to inspire others to continue to carry out King’s values and carry out his work.

But it was a “who’s who” of politicos and religious leaders during an election year at the Hilton’s grand ballroom.

Johnson’s address took aim at the Trump administration and called for saving democracy by taxing the rich. But, it was Harris who understood the immediate task at hand.

“In the spirits of Chicago, it is time to Bear down,” she said.

While it was a relatively short speech, it wasn’t a quick in-and-out trip for Vice President Harris. Her day in Chicago included a visit with Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Chicago Martin Luther King Day events

Many will honor Dr. King on Monday with a day of service.

And the DuSable Black History Museum will have a family-friendly event all day.

Perri Irmer, president and CEO of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, joined ABC7 Chicago Friday to talk more about it.

It will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at 740 E. 56th Place. Admission is free.