Rev. Betty Williams organized the 43rd annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day inside Alameda City Hall on Jan. 20. With around 75 people in attendance including Vice Mayor John Knox White, the celebration included dance and song, remarks and tributes. Williams talked about the significance of holding the event inside of City Hall. Decades ago when they started this celebration, they joined together on the City Hall steps. Then one year as they celebrated in the rain, they asked Mayor Chuck Corica if they could come inside.

Since 1983, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16 this year) has been designated a day of service. Residents can get started early on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, when Alameda Point Partners and the city of Alameda Public Works Department host a shoreline cleanup event.

Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and bring their own reusable buckets or bags and work gloves. Large groups are encouraged. Participants under the age of 18 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.