Long Beach Councilmembers Al Austin and Steve Neal are just two community leaders chosen as grand marshals for this Saturday’s 25th anniversary Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade. Musical headliners for the post-parade celebration will be The Lowrider Band, featuring four of the five original members of War.
In addition to Austin and Neal, honorees for the parade and celebration’s silver anniversary include Virgia Wade, Maria Norvell, Anthony Kim, Pat Vickers Bergendahl, Rachel Ysasaga Arriaga and for the youth, Snoopy. Naomi Rainey was selected as this years Sojourner Truth Honoree.
“We are very fortunate to have individuals in our community that reach beyond the everyday challenges to include serving others in a way that uplifts the entire community,” said 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews, who is co-sponsoring the event along with Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. “I consider these folks the cream of the crop because they have helped shape our neighborhoods”, said Councilman Dee Andrews.”‘
After the parade, the multicultural band War—whose roots run deep in Long Beach—will play the headlining slot at the afternoon celebration being held at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The main stage will also feature gift giveaways and performances by Sax N Blues, King Park Children Dancers and Halle Johnson, an emerging singer/songwriter who is also a student at Long Beach City College.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is a free multi-cultural event that will feature “a day of enlightenment” through music, free health screenings, specialty craft vendors, and an area called “Dreamland” that will include free carnival rides, arts and crafts booths and a teen stage with dancing performances and contests.
The parade will start Saturday morning at 10:30AM where Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. intersects Anaheim Street. It will proceed North on Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., turn right (aast) on 19th Street, and turn left (north) on Lemon Avenue. Parade Parking is available at Long Beach City College, located at Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Hwy. From the hours of 7:30AM to 10:00AM at this same location, shuttle buses will be transporting participates and spectators to and from the parade route. The celebration takes place at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park at 1950 Lemon Ave.
For more information contact the Office of Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrew (562) 570-6816 or log on to www.longbeach.gov/district6