Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Bay Area

For those looking to celebrate the 80th birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. through public service, song, good food or study, here is something for everyone. All events are free.

BERKELEY

Walk in celebration of change

10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Jefferson Elementary School, at 1400 Ada St. for refreshments and a walk (sidewalks only) to King Middle School, at 1781 Rose St. for a program of stories and celebration of the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the auditorium. Signs and banners encouraged. Sponsored by parents.

EMERYVILLE

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at newly renovated Anna Yates Elementary School, 1070 41st. St., for arts activities, music, dancing, games, gardening, student performances, BBQ lunch, and a tour of the school and science center. Sponsored by Partners for Community Life.

OAKLAND

Multicultural Peace Celebration and Rally

10 a.m. to noon. Free event at the ILWU Warehouse Hall #6, 99 Hegenberger Road will feature speakers, including Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson and the Rev. Byron Williams. Sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Rally Committee.

MLK Jr. Shoreline Park cleanup

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at Garretson Point parking lot at the end of Edgewater Drive for coastal cleanup and restoration work at Damon Marsh, Damon Slough, Arrowhead Marsh and the Martin Luther King Jr. Grove. Sponsored by East Bay Regional Park District, Save the Bay, Golden Gate Audubon Society, Earth Team and Hands on Bay Area. Visit: www.ebparks.org/parks/mlk.

'Make The Dream Real' celebration

10 a.m. to noon. Meet at Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, 1188 12th St. at Adeline. Kokomon Clottey will open with sacred drumming, honoring ancestors. There will be young performers, three Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Awards given to community members doing exemplary service work and a luncheon. Sponsors are the Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc.; Taylor Memorial Methodist Church; the Rev. Ron Swisher; and Dr. Matthew Fox. Visit: www.ahc-oakland.org.

MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration and Economic, Health and Peace Fair

Noon to 5 p.m. Event at Star Bethel Church, 5800 San Pablo Ave. focuses on how to live a healthy, peaceful life. Presented by Embracing the Dream. Donations encouraged. (510) 978-6470.

MLK theater matinee

12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Experience the life of Martin Luther King Jr. through an extraordinary film collection, including "The Rise and Death of a Great Leader," at the African American Museum & Library at Oakland, 659 14th St. RSVP encouraged at (510) 637-0200. Visit: www.oaklandlibrary.org/AAMLO.

Rejoice! Preinaugural gospel concert

7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) At Star Bethel Church, 5800 San Pablo Ave. $20 suggested donation. Featuring gospel artist Jonathan Nelson, and many local artists, choirs and groups. Program to benefit people living with HIV/AIDS and local young Brothers of Barack, a mentoring program. Sponsored by Embracing the Dream. Call (510) 978-6470 or (510) 663-7979 ext. 119.

SAN FRANCISCO

Bayview mural dedication and community service

10 a.m. Light gardening at the Quesada community mural site on the 1700 block of Quesada Avenue just west of Third Street.

2 p.m. The "Bayview Is..." mural will be unveiled half a block away at Newhall Street and Bridgeview Drive. Meet the artists, Malik Seneferu and Heidi Hardin, and share refreshments.

Help for veterans

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help decorate a transitional housing facility for homeless female veterans on Treasure Island. A barbecue for volunteers and program residents will follow. Sponsored by Swords to Plowshares.

Chinatown cleanup

9 a.m. to noon. Cart out trash and obliterate graffiti from Chinatown's alleyways, playgrounds, parks and streets. Meet at Portsmouth Square Plaza, on Kearny Street between Clay and Washington streets. Sponsored by Supervisor David Chiu and the Chinatown Community Development Center.

source:www.sfgate.com