Thousands attended the Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium to not only celebrate his 79th birthday, but also to recognize his accomplishments as a civil rights leader.

Freedom trains, buses and ferries came from all over the Bay Area arriving at the auditorium. At 4th and Townsend, a march of hundreds began, led by Rev. Cecil Williams from Glide Memorial Church, that ended at the auditorium.

He was appointed by Mrs. King to put on the event in San Francisco to celebrate her husband’s life and accomplishments,” said Ronnie Guildry, one of the event organizers. “This event is for the young people to get educated about who King is and what he stood for.”

Vendors sold King T-shirts and books about his life and legacy. Several teach-in sessions about King’s life and message were offered during the late afternoon.

“This event brings all communities and student groups together to learn about King and what he stood for,” said June Lucarotti, a UC Berkeley social welfare major. “It is a way to get his message and dream out there.”

Lucarotti participated in a teach-in called “The Remix.” The teach-in featured a DJ remixing King’s speeches and Lucarotti giving a discussion on the importance of giving a speech.

SF State student Netza Romero joined the march in the rain.

“I came out here today to support King and those still experiencing problems with race,” said Romero, 19, a BECA major.

“I want to make a difference and to follow the dream,” he said.

Gatherers were encouraged to sign a banner that was set up outside to make their mark at the event. Words such as “unity,” “freedom” and “community” were written on the banner.

“If it weren’t for King, most of us would not be here right now,” said Olivia Cahue of Yganacio Valley High School in Concord. She attended the event with several classmates.

“People need to be at this event to be more educated and less ignorant,” said fellow classmate Alexandra Kaczmarczyk.

Events celebrating King’s life happened all over the Bay Area from Oakland to San Jose.

“Today, let us get together and make the dream come true,” Williams said.