File photo. 

UPDATE | It’s time to get funky: Long Beach City Councilmember Dee Andrews announced on Thursday the funk-themed musical headliners for the 28th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Celebration, scheduled to occur January 16 as part of Andrews’ Ninth Annual Peace Week.

Andrews, the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine and residents of the Sixth District are hosting musical headliners Con Funk Shun and The Delfonics Review, to perform between 12:00PM and 5:00PM at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Meanwhile, the free multi-cultural Celebration will last until 6:00PM.

According to a release, Con Funk Shun has been funking up the music scene since the ’70s, with its release of their 1977 LP, Secrets, which was certified gold in the U.S. Other hit LPs include 1978’s Loveshine, 1979’s Candy and 1980’s Spirit of Love, along with numerous world tours and top 10 hits on the U.S. Billboard black singles chart.

The Delfonics Review has been performing nationwide for years, with covering a number of famous songs that have been sampled extensively by rappers and hip-hop artists today. Performances of classic hits such as “La-La Means I Love You,” “Ready Or Not Here I Come,” “When You Get Right Down To It,” “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” and “Trying To Make A Fool Of Me” have garnered rave reviews.

The rest of the event includes entertainment and presentations by special interest aiming to spread the teachings of Dr. King, free health screenings in the “Health Pavilion” and food and merchandise from international exhibitors. A “Dreamland” is sure to capture the imaginations of kids with its free carnival rides and teen stage featuring dance performances and contests, arts and crafts booths and a nutritional snack stand.

For more information, call the Office of Sixth District Councilmember Dee Andrews at 562.570.6816.

PREVIOUSLY: Two Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Week Events Canceled Due to Weather

1/07/15 at 12:03PM | Two events planned for the Dee Andrews-hosted Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Week have been canceled due to predicted inclement weather (AKA storms caused by El Niño).

Specifically, the following two events have been canceled:

Saturday, January 9th
Sixth District Trail of Infinite Hope Tree Planting
Volunteers check in at 9:00AM, ceremony at 10:00AM.
Jenni Rivera Memorial Park, 2100 Walnut Ave
Join Mayor Garcia and Councilman Dee Andrews as they kick off Peace Week and service activities which culminate on MLK Day.

Saturday, January 9th
The Gift
Sponsored by New Generations, NG
12:00PM – 3:00PM, at King Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue.
Local residents attend this day of festivities that include music and free gifts which includes food, clothing, services, and accessories.

The previous article now reflects the final schedule. 

PREVIOUSLY: 9th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Peace March to Kick off Saturday

1/05/15 at 4:15PM | Every year for the past nine years, the Sixth District has hosted a week of festivities in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dream.

On Tuesday, Mayor Robert Garcia and Councilmember Dee Andrews announced they will be kicking off the Ninth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Candlelight Peace March this week, with the parade commencing Saturday, January 9 at 5:00PM at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

This year, the activities will spread beyond a week-long time-frame, with Councilmember Dee Andrews seriously committed to lifting the consciousness of the community about Dr. King’s legacy and principles in an extensive way.

“The Peace March provides the community an opportunity to stand united,” said Andrews in a statement. “Walking together, we represent the peace and the love that keeps our community strong. I hope to see all the residents, churches, families, schools, and community organizations at the march.”

The Peace March will begin promptly at 5:00PM. Participants can find free parking across the street from the park, at Long Beach City College (LBCC). For more information, call Councilmember Dee Andrews’ office at 562.570.6816.

2016 Peace Week events include:

Saturday, January 9
Pre-Parade & Neighborhood Clean Up
8:00AM -10:00AM, at McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave
Sponsored By the Long Beach Downtown Lions Club
Join community groups and neighbors as they work to clean up the parade route area.

Saturday, January 9
Zumba for a Healthy & Peaceful Community
11:00AM – Noon and 12:15PM – 1:15PM,
at McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
This active event will get your heart pumping with a great day of fitness and fun.

Saturday, January 9
Peace March
5:00PM, at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue
This annual candlelight march spreads the vibration of peace throughout Long Beach. Join community leaders, organizations and neighbors as they walk in harmony for peace.

Sunday, January 10
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. This is to promote dialogue and reflection of Dr. King’s message into our community.

Monday, January 11
Tranquility for Seniors
11:00PM -2:00PM at McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave
Sponsored by Dream Beyond Foundation to help build a peaceful, healthy and active lifestyle for seniors in our community.

Thursday, January 14
Latinos for Peace
6:00PM – 8:00PM, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue
Sponsored by the Jenni Rivera Foundation and the City Long Beach Latino Employees Organization, this event is in honor of Jenni Rivera’s message on domestic violence prevention. RSVP is required.

Thursday, January 14
Read for Peace
3:00PM, at Lincoln Elementary School
Sponsored by New Life Beginnings. This free Peace Week educational event for youth. Free books will be given to each child ages 5 to 12.

Saturday, January 16
28th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade and Celebration:
Infinite Hope
Parade runs from 10:30AM – Noon. Celebration, which includes two stages of entertainment, health pavilion, teen and youth area and free activities, international food and merchandise vendors will be held from noon – 5:00PM at
Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

Tuesday, January 19
Martin Luther King Jr. Presentation & Peace Maker Awards
5:00PM, at Long Beach City Council Meeting, City Hall, 333 West Ocean Boulevard,
in honor of Dr. King and the recognition of local community leaders that have continued the message of peace.

This article was updated on Thursday, 1/07/15 at 12:02PM, updating the list to reflect the cancellation of two Peace Week events. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Park is located at 1950 Lemon Avenue.

{FG_GEOMAP [33.7918744,-118.17804569999998] FG_GEOMAP}