BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — Monday, many of us celebrated a pioneer for Civil Rights: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students and staff at South Dakota State University used their day off from classes to remember King’s legacy.

Hundreds of people gathered in Club 71 inside Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for the third annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally.

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“The whole purpose of the event is to just celebrate and honor the life and legacy and all the work of The Rev. King,” Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility director Shelly Bayer said.

The theme this year was “Mission Possible.”

“We’re just focused on unity and how together one small act moving forward inspiring people to continue to take action about creating a community that we can all embrace and that we all feel like we have a voice and that we can all feel loved,” Bayer said.

“When we stand as one, our voice is louder, and it’s heard,” SDSU alumna Livia McFadden said.

The keynote speaker was Jahmal Cole, who is the CEO of a social impact organization in Chicago. During his speech, he stressed that anyone can make an impact.

“If you can think of something simple to do where you’re at, you can develop the muscle memory it takes to make a difference,” Cole said.

Following the speeches, there was a “marade,” which is a combination of a march and parade, in the indoor athletic facility. As everyone left the building, they walked out and joined together in two lines.

“That’s significant from back in the Civil Rights Era, and this idea of unity coming in two by two, that we’re doing this work together,” Bayer said.

And it encouraged people from diverse backgrounds to band together.

“One of the things in this event that is very important to me is it shows the collaborativeness of the whole community,” SDSU senior John Akujobi said.

Multiple students and staff members also spoke at the rally Monday morning.