Advocates, politicians and students came out in full force to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Marin City.

Approximately 300 people packed into the gymnasium at the Manzanita Recreation Center, located at 630 Drake Ave. on Monday for the community’s 27th annual celebration.

The keynote speech came from California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who once worked at the Marin City Community Services District and with special-needs children at the Golden Gate Regional Center, said he represented the community’s enduring ability to produce new generations of leadership.

“I’m grateful I have this opportunity to come home,” said Thurmond, a 2026 gubernatorial candidate. “On a day like today, there was nowhere else I wanted to be.”

The theme of the event was geared toward mentorship and a passing of the torch to the youth of Marin City. Thurmond made multiple testimonials to the power of education and advocacy as essential to guiding Marin City youth.

“One day, we’re all going to be working for them,” he said. “We know our children can achieve despite the obstacles they experience.”

The voices of Marin City’s youth were featured in the day’s events.

Among them was Myles Riley, a 9-year-old Marin City resident, who portrayed civil rights advocate A. Philip Randolph in a short historical skit. The recitation drew on the hope for a new generation of advocacy.

“Change takes time. We have to keep on pushing forward,” he said.

Marin City has a long tradition of Black advocacy and has historically used the event has a platform to call for social justice, environmental sustainability and greater widespread recognition from county leaders.

Felicia Gaston, an organizer, said the event was significant this year for its theme of empowering a new generation.“It’s important to have youth representation on the program featuring historical figures,” Gaston said.

Gospel singalongs, speeches, poetry, music, dancing and sermons also were part of the program. At times, the speakers drew on a call and response to a eager and engaged crowd.

Many made it clear that the celebration was a clear counterpoint to the inauguration of President Donald Trump happening almost concurrently.

Representatives of the county Board of Supervisors, state Assemblymember Damon Connolly, and officials from Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon and elsewhere in the county also were present.

Paul Austin, founder of the youth advocacy group Play Marin, drew on the themes of development, advocacy and representation.

“This should not be the last time you come to Marin City,” he said. “Make sure you do your part as we continue to grow.”

Natalie Rogers, Santa Rosa’s first African American mayor, also drew on themes of diversity and equity. She was another example, she noted, of the leadership Marin City had produced and would continue to in the future.

“I stand before you as a proud native of Marin City, California,” she said.