U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has paid tribute to the late African-American civil rights leader -- Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday honoring King comes just one day ahead of the inauguration.

The president-elect urged Americans to turn the day's range of volunteer efforts into an ongoing commitment to enrich the lives of others in communities and cities across the country.

The slain civil rights advocate remains a symbol of peaceful resistance and equality among all races. The holiday is traditionally marked by taking part in volunteer activities for the public good.

The president-elect spent part of the day participating in community projects in Washington, D.C. in memory of King, who was assassinated in 1968.

(CCTV January 20, 2009)