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As pioneer Kool Herc attempts to realize his dream of purchasing a historical landmark noted for birthing Hip-Hop culture, the legendary DJ took time out to thank slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., for his message of brotherhood and equality.

“Dr. King’s dream still goes on,” Kool Herc told AllHipHop.com. “Little black boys and little white girls break dancing together and rapping together. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream still lives on, happy birthday to you Dr. King.”

Today (January 21) is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day in the United States.

Dr. King, who was born January 15, was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a legendary African-American figure who fought for civil rights in the United States and protested the Vietnam war, using non-violent tactics.

He delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during a March on Washington in 1963 and the following year, Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent attempts to end segregation .

Dr. King was assassinated on April 4,1968.

Kool Herc, who is regarded as the founder of Hip-Hop, noted that the genre of music has unified people all across the world, despite race, religion, creed or culture.

The DJ is calling upon Hip-Hop fans across the world to help save the genre’s birthplace at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx.

Last week Kool Herc, New York Senator Charles Schumer and residents at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue unveiled a tenant-sponsored plan to buy the affordable housing project to prevent it from sold to a private investment group.

“You [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] would love to see what Hip-Hop has done, what grew from the community and went worldwide,” Kool Herc told AllHipHop.com.

For more information on Save 1520, visit http://www.save1520.org.