SATURDAY, JAN. 18
The 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration is all set to kick off today, at 10 a.m. from the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. Vice Mayor and Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews announced this year’s theme is “Continuing the Legacy,” highlighting the continuous efforts of those building on King’s legacy of peace, freedom and community. After the parade, which ends around 1 p.m., head to Martin Luther King Jr. Park where, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the celebration continues with entertainment, food, merchandise and vendors at 1950 Lemon Ave.
Another great thing: Taking the values of King’s legacy and springing to action by helping your community this Martin Luther King holiday! Here are some volunteer opportunities this MLK Day.
10th Annual MLK Day of Service
On Monday, Jan. 20, join Leadership Long Beach on MLK National Day of Service to participate in your choice of 20 different service projects citywide, from landscaping at Willow Springs Park to painting trash cans at Jordan High School. There are still 13 projects that are accepting registration applications. To fill out the volunteer waiver and select your project, click here. The kickoff rally takes place at 8 a.m. at Seaside Park, near 14th Street and Chestnut Avenue.
MLK Day—Heart of Ida: Pack and Act Day
Heart of Ida is a Long Beach nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income seniors preserve their independence and bring joy to those currently in assisted living. The organization was started by the granddaughters of Ida Alice Reich, a community activist who would, every year, bring her granddaughters Dina and Keri to help deliver gifts to nursing homes.
This Monday they need your help to pack personal hygiene kits which will be delivered to senior centers in the community. To take part, show up at the Regency Palms Long Beach at 2 p.m.
For more information check out their Facebook event page, here. Or call (562) 570-3548.
Giving us a moment’s pause: Strong communities are the bedrock that foster justice, love and friendship in our culture. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
The 10th Annual MLK Day of Service begins at 8 a.m. at Seaside Park; 440 W Cowles St.
MLK Day—Heart of Ida: Pack and Act Day runs from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Regency Palms Long Beach; 117 E. 8th St.