Community Corner

All Aboard! Freedom Train Draws Hundreds

The annual Freedom Train celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

After singing a rendition of "We Shall Overcome" at Caltrain's San Mateo station, hundreds of Bay Area residents of all ages celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday by boarding the 2012 "Freedom Train."

The specially chartered train commemorated King's march from Selma, Ala., to the state's capital, Montgomery, in 1965.

The Freedom Train started its journey at San Jose's Diridon Station and made stops in Sunnyvale, Palo Alto and San Mateo, picking up those who wanted to honor King's legacy by taking the train to San Francisco, where most planned to join a march to Yerba Buena Gardens.

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Faye McNair-Knox, whose organization One East Palo Alto was chosen by San Mateo County officials as the 2012 Martin Luther King Day Honorary Organization, said the best way to honor King is to continue to work toward the values he upheld.

"If we learned anything from Martin Luther King, it's that we must press on," McNair-Knox said.

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Former San Mateo Mayor Claire Mack was selected as the 2012 Honorary Chairperson of the event. Mack was the first African American Mayor of San Mateo, serving
on the City Council from 1991 – 2003.

During her tenure, Mack served as the City Council liaison to the San Mateo Public Works Commission, Library Board, Planning Commission, Housing Advisory and Appeal Board, and Parks & Recreation Commission.

Mack is a published author, avid dancer, producer, and active community volunteer. As a life-long resident of San Mateo County, Mack has been married to husband, Edwin Mack, for 58 years. Together they raised three daughters in San Mateo.

Bay City News contributed to this story.


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