RALEIGH — Rallies, paradesand other eventsare taking place across the country Monday, marking the Martin Luther King, Junior holiday.

In Raleigh,hundreds of marchersmade their way from the Legislative Building to Memorial Auditorium. They marched in solidarity to remember the life of the civil rights leader on what would have been his 72nd birthday.

Men and women, black and white, young and old all marched with the same message.

"It's about struggle. It's about overcoming obstacles that are put in your way by unfair systems, and everyone can relate to that," says a participant.

"He impacts everybody's life. Even if you're a rich person living in a gated community. You are not free. No one is free until everyone is free," says another participant.

At noon, the crowd took part in anecumenical serviceat Memorial Auditorium.

Students at St. Augustine's College participated in its second annual cleanup program called DREAM -- Developing Raleigh's Environmental Awareness Movement.

In Durham, hundreds of people marched from North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance to St. Phillips Episcopal Church downtown.

Breakfasts honoring Dr. King were held across the state. Governor Easley honored King at aprayer breakfastat the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park. Political and religious leaders used the occasion to talk about race relations.

In the flood-ravaged town of Princeville, Monday was chosen to give 12 families keys to their new homes.

In the spirit of King, volunteers of all races and religions are helping to rebuild the town.

Critically acclaimed actors Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee appeared at Duke's Page Auditorium Monday evening for a tribute to Dr. King.

They personally knew and worked with the civil rights leader in the 50s and 60s. Their performance, titled "In Other Words" featured poetry and personal stories about the civil rights movement of today.

The couple also shared some stories about their relationship with Dr. King.