With Martin Luther King Jr. Day right around the corner, it’s time for one of Long Beach’s most vibrant and unique traditions: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade Celebration. The procession will begin at 10:00am tomorrow morning at the intersection of Anaheim and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Parking is available on the Pacific Campus of LBCC.
Mickey Mouse himself will act as the Honorary Grand Marshall, as community activist Ernest Samuel McBride Sr. will act as Parade Grand Marshall and a tribute will be given to the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. The parade will conclude with a celebration and fair in King Park on Lemon Ave.
The parade was in jeopardy of even occurring this year after it was among events that the City Council proposed to cut in order to balance the 2009 budget. But Councilman Dee Andrews, whose 6th District plays host to the event, argued in favor of keeping the parade and won back support.
Last year, I spoke briefly to Andrews and asked him about the importance of events like the MLK parade. He said that during a Juneteenth celebration years ago, he stopped two youngsters and asked what the holiday meant to them.
“Hot dogs and candy,” was the response, and Andrews vowed to provide a powerful community message through the District’s future events.
By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor