In an effort to lift the consciousness of the community about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and principles, Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews and other community partners are promoting more than a week of activities designed to unify the community.
Thursday, January 15
“Peace, Unity and Hope Youth Performance”
The performance, by youth and for youth, is presented by: the Long Beach Weed and Seed Program; Parks, Recreation and Marine; and the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach. It will be hosted from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue.
Friday, January 16
ArtPEACE Exhibit Gallery Display Opening
Art works created by artists and young people will be on display from 6pm to 8pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. The opening will be followed by a live art-making workshop on Saturday, January 17 during the MLK Celebration.
Saturday, January 17
21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade and Celebration: “I Can See the Promised Land”
Parade runs from 10:30am to noon. The celebration, which includes three stages of entertainment, health pavilion, teen and youth area and free activities, international food and merchandise vendors will take place from noon to 5:30pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
Saturday, January 17
2nd Annual Peacemaker Award
The Dr. Martin Luther King Peacemaker Awards will be presented to recognize those individuals that have carried on the nonviolence and unity message of Dr. King in our community. Recipients include Victor Otiniano of Union Bank, Tracy Colunga of the City of Long Beach, and the Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach. Awards will be granted at 1:30pm on the Main Stage at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.
Sunday, January 18
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Celebration: “Celebration and Strength for the Journey”
The community-wide annual interfaith celebration will begin at 3pm and will feature a multi-cultural and multi-religious celebration, music from a variety of faith traditions and cultures, and a reception. Keynote address by Councilmember Dee Andrews. Sponsored by the Long Beach Ministerial Alliance, Long Beach Religious Leaders Association, NAACP and the South Coast Interfaith Council. The Celebration will take place at Gospel Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1480 Atlantic Avenue.
Monday, January 19
National Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
This national day of service will kickoff a season of service with a book buddies project led by local middle school youth volunteers and will be coupled with a book drive collection for children living in the Long Beach Sister City of Mombasa, Kenya Africa. The project will take place at the Boys and Girls Club at the Jeffrey A. Cowan/Washington Middle School site, 1450 Cedar Avenue. Interested volunteers can register online at www.mlkday.gov or call Teresa Gomez at (562) 570-6730. Contact Gomez to donate children’s books for the book drive.
