Attendees were treated to snacks, dinner, and even a birthday cake in honor of the civil rights hero.

A presentation highlighted DR. King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, followed by a live musical performance of songs that embodied the civil rights icon's message.

"If you don't know history, history is bound to repeat itself.

And so it's really important for us to know, as black people in America, our history, our struggle, where we've made it to and never to take our gains for granted," said Mount Vernon Mayor Shawn Patterson-Howard.

The mayor also gave a shout out to the Mount Vernon firefighters for their brave work at a huge fire Wednesday.