Gathering together to remember and honor those people who made great and truly history-changing strides for social justice? It's a way of strengthening memory, yes, but also making people more resolute to live the message, each and every day. This is one of the many reasons people pause and reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, Jan. 20 in 2014.
But the weekend is filled with comings-together and parades and such. Why not start at...
The Peace & Unity Celebration: This quarter-century-old Long Beach happening invites "schools, organizations, and community groups" to parade in memory of Dr. King and the work he did. The intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street serve as the starting point for the parade, which heads off at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. Stay for the "multicultural celebration" at King Park following the procession.
Kingdom Day Parade: One of the country's largest parades in honor of the civil rights leader, the Kingdom Day annually welcomes many local groups, bands, and individuals to join the inspiring march. This year's parade is "in recognition of the 85th birthday of Dr. King and Larry Grant who so greatly honored him with a parade for the past 33 years." Head for Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard between Western and Crenshaw on Monday, Jan. 20.
Day of Service: A number of organizations perform good works on the holiday Monday, with City Year being one of the groups leading the charge. "Make it a day on, not a day off!" is the org's call to action, and you can do just that at Horace Mann Middle School. The painting of murals and other need-to-dos around the school are on the day's docket.
