Photo by NoHo Damon via Flickr
After a two-year hiatus on in-person events, the parades and celebrations are back! Even the rain is going to stop just in time for outdoor events. There are a variety of ways to observe the Civil Rights Leader’s birthday, from the educational to the festive. Here are a few:
The 35th Annual Kingdom Day Parade
The Kingdom Day Parade in South LA features floats, celebrities, beauty queens, bands, equestrian teams, drum lines, drill teams, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, Representative Maxine Waters and Tommy the Clown, originator of “krumping,” For the first time ever, The USC Trojan Marching Band will participate in the parade. I hope they play “Tusk!” Starting at 11:00 a.m. PST at Western and MLK Blvd., the three-mile parade route runs down MLK Blvd. to Crenshaw Blvd., where it turns left and then ends at Vernon Avenue.
This year’s theme is “America, the Best Hope of the World.” The grand marshal will be George C. Fatheree III, the lead attorney of the team that won the case to return Bruce’s Beach in Manhattan Beach to the descendants of the original owners.The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and streamed on the parade’s website,
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at C.A.A.M.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the California African American Museum in Exposition Park will be held from 10 AM until 5 PM. Celebrate Kingdom Day with “art, culture, and community.” This year’s theme is “MLK: A Legacy of Service.”
A variety of family activities, food trucks, interactive exhibitions, discussion groups and crafts, plus recordings and recitations of MLK’s inspiring speeches and sermons, make this annual event a huge draw for kids and adults alike. The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles will be presenting a musical tribute to MLK.
“Make it a day on, not a day off” is the theme of Americorp’s drive to encourage Americans to use this day to volunteer to improve their communities. The Corporation for National and Community Service has a database where you can search for local volunteer opportunities. Check it out here.
Redondo Beach Police Department Engagement Board Walk
At 10:00 AM, the Redondo Beach Police Department Engagement Board will host a walk to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and collect kits for the RBPD Domestic Violence Advocacy Program. It seems like a step in the right direction to improve community relations with the police. The walk will begin at 10:30 AM at the Pier Sub-Station at101 W. Torrance Blvd. in Redondo Beach and culminate at the MLK Jr. memorial located in front of the Redondo Beach Police Department (401 Diamond St.). Please bring a kit to donate at the event or any time prior to the event at the RBPD (401 Diamond St). Park in the pier area.
IN A GALLON SIZE ZIPLOCK BAG:
CHILD KIT
Mini shampoo and conditioner Toothbrush and toothpaste Brush/comb Soap or mini body wash Lotion Baby wipes Teddy bear/friendly stuffed animal OR
ADULT/TEEN KIT
Mini shampoo and conditioner Mini deodorant Toothbrush and toothpaste Brush/comb Soap or mini body wash Mini lotion Wet wipes.
