On Monday morning, local leaders held the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Caravan on the civil rights activist's holiday.

Donald Gallimore, Sr. was a young man while Dr. King was spreading ideas of peace and unity. Now, Gallimore organizes an annual caravan in MLK's honor.

"I saw him speak," Gallimore said, "and his main point was anything that you've gained, you don't give back. As a young man, I took that to heart."

This year's route ran from the Greater Light Christian Center in Sun Valley north to Stead, and then back to Neil Road along U.S. 395 and Interstate 580.

The stretch of freeway between Mount Rose Highway and the California state line was named the Martin Luther King Jr. Highway in 1998, after years of effort from former Reno-Sparks NAACP president Reverend Onie Cooper. The caravan started soon after.

Many people remember Dr. King as a civil rights activist, but he also fought for labor rights. A local construction union says it's crucial to remember his teachings.

"It's just a matter of bringing together people who want to celebrate his legacy and making sure that we take time to honor that today," said Wendy Colborne, Chief of Staff for the Northern Nevada Building Trades Council.

From longtime partners of the event to people stopping by for the first time, drivers in the caravan say the gathering is a great way to build togetherness.

"He taught that love drives out hate, and I'm trying to do this in a loving way," said June Richardson, a first-time caravan driver.

"I have a business now here and anything that's going to upgrade and make Reno a little better, I'm down for it 110%," said Teddy Craig, owner of the Catfish Kickstart Program.

"It's standing in solidarity with all groups who are still fighting against unjust treatment and making sure that we can dream of a better life for everybody," Colborne said.

Drivers in the caravan said they hope people will follow Dr. King's teachings and build peace and unity in their communities.