The 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration is scheduled to take place this Saturday in Central Long Beach.

Themed “Continuing the Legacy,” the event will celebrate the ongoing efforts to keep the late Martin Luther King Jr.’s values alive through the arts, remembrance, and culturally responsive practices, according to Vice Mayor Dee Andrews’ office.

“The community and I are extremely excited for this event,” Andrews said. “We continue to build on the legacy of peace, freedom, and community building Dr. King started for us.”

The grand marshals this year are:

  • Pastor Gregory Sanders of The ROCK Christian Fellowship
  • Ahmed Saafir, local business owner
  • LaVerne Duncan, executive director of the Andy Street Community Association
  • Rosie Turner Chaney, local philanthropist
  • Richer and Sithea San, Cambodia Town community leaders
  • Local Hearts Foundation

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. It will be followed by a celebration with live entertainment, food and vendors selling merchandise from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave.

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.