"Help Keep the Peace" gathering in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Presidents inauguration coincided with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

Martin Luther King talked a lot about non violence which is why there was a " Help Keep the Peace" gathering in Northampton Monday.

The group talked about controversial topics that will sometimes polarize communities.

The goal is to not avoid these conversations but know how to address them in a constructive way.

Raul Matta told 22News, “What we're trying to do is tell people that non violence is still alive and that it is a way of life but it's not such a big leap, it can be just regular things like having conversations about things happening in your life or loved ones and doing it in a constructive way so you're not attacking other people. “

The group tries to train people to be community leaders and help spread the message.