Earlier, many legislators participated in another tradition: a wreath-laying ceremony just outside the State House. House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Sen. Catherine Pugh presided over the ceremony. As an icy rain fell, Brown thanked the shivering lawmakers for their service, reminding them that King had said, "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve."
Other lawmakers shouted famous King quotes, and the group ended by singing "We Shall Overcome."
King-themed speeches will be given by tonight Del. Shawn Tarrant, a Baltimore Democrat, and Sen. Delores Kelley, a Baltimore County Democrat.