Caballeros march in the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. Photo by Trevor Roberson.
Long Beach’s 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews is kicking off the city’s annual “Peace Week” celebration that brings community awareness to the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through awards, community events and a parade.
In collaboration with the Peace Week Committee, Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine, and the City of Long Beach Human Dignity Program, Andrews will be hosting a week of activities promoting King’s mission of unity and tolerance starting with Saturday’s Peace March and ending with the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade and Celebration next Sunday, January 18. In the days between, there will be everything from a neighborhood clean-up to an open-mic night in rememberence of Dr. King.
This year’s candlelit Peace March will honor the 50th anniversary of King’s march on Washington, D.C.
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“The Peace March provides the community an opportunity to stand united. Walking together, we represent the peace and the love that keeps our community strong,” said Andrews in a release. “I hope to see all the churches, families, schools and community organizations.”
On Tuesday, January 14, Andrews will present his annual Peace Maker Awards, which honors community leaders who have encouraged King’s message. Among those being honored this year is attorney Henry Salcido, artist and music producer Prach Ly, community activist Leonard Adams and youth counselor Logan Baughman, III.
Organizations New Generations, the Pearl Foundation, and the Food Bank of Southern California will also be awarded for their contributions as companies, and Naomi Rainey–the current president of the Long Beach Branch of the NAACP and Secretary of the California State NAACP–will be honored with the 2014 Honorary Chair of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.
These award recipients will also serve as Grand Marshals in the MLK Day Parade, which will start at 10:30AM on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue. A festival will follow at 12PM, which includes two stages of entertainment, a health pavilion, free teen and youth activities, and international food and merchandise vendors stationed until 5PM at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Parade parking is available at Long Beach City College, located at Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Hwy.
All Peace Week Events Include:
Saturday, January 11
Pre-Parade & Neighborhood Clean Up
8:30AM -10AM, at McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue
Join community groups and neighbors as they work to clean up the parade route area.
“The Gift”
Sponsored by New Generations, NG
12:30PM -3PM, at Washington Middle School, 1450 Cedar Avenue
Local residents attend to receive free gifts which includes food, clothing, services, and accessories.
Peace March
5PM, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue
Sunday, January 12
Personal Reflections
All places of worship in the City of Long Beach are encouraged to participate in recognition of Dr. King’s legacy in the form of your choice.
Monday, January 13
“Peace in our Community; A Place for Everyone!”
5PM-7PM at Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Produced by California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) and Cambodian Association of America to help build an inclusive community by having dialogue around immigration and safety in our community.
Tuesday, January 14
Martin Luther King Jr. Presentation & Peace Maker Awards
5PM, at Long Beach City Council Meeting, City Hall, 333 West Ocean Blvd
In honor of Dr. King and the recognition of local community leaders that have continued the message of peace.
Wednesday, January 15
Spirit on the Move
6:30PM – 8:30PM, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue
Produced by Clue California, this event will move the human spirit to peace with special performances by African Drummers and Dancers Sacred Jazz and Spoken Word.
Thursday, January 16
Read for Peace
2PM-4PM, at Mark Twain Library
Produced by New Life Beginnings and sponsored by Long Beach Public Library. This free Peace Week educational event for all ages.
“What Peace Means to Me”
5PM-7PM, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Produced by Human Dignity and Nancy Campos, this event will have an open mic night & art exhibit, poetry reading, dance, singing and art exhibit on “What Peace Means to Me.”
Saturday, January 18
26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade and Celebration: “50 Years Strong & the Dream Lives On”
10:30AM along Martin Luther King Jr. Ave from 7th Street north to MLK Park, where a festival will be held from 12:30PM-5PM.
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