The 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity March is set to bring Merced together on Jan. 19 for an event organizers say will offer remembrance, action and care for the community.
The theme for this year: Immeasurable.
“Immeasurable means something so great, so deep and impactful that it cannot be counted or calculated,” said Tamara Cobb, one of the event organizers. “Dr. King’s impact cannot be quantified. His courage, his love for humanity, and his push for unity continue to grow long after he is gone.”
The theme reflects how King’s teachings endure through everyday choices, Cobb said.
“His legacy grows with every generation that chooses justice over silence and unity over division,” she said.
The unity march will begin with people gathering and lining up at 10 a.m. at the Amtrak station, 324 W. 24th St., the traditional start point used for several years.
The walk is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will conclude at Merced Theatre, where a birthday celebration to honor King is set to begin at noon inside the theater.
The event is free to attend and open to the community.
Pastor Allen Huddleston of Saint Matthews Missionary Baptist Church was chosen as this year’s grand marshal.
Huddleston has spent decades uplifting families, mentoring youth, and building bridges across the community through his work and his congregation, Cobb said.
“Under his leadership, Saint Matthews has become a place of refuge, empowerment, and service,” she said. “His strength, humility and moral clarity align with Dr. King’s legacy.”
The celebration will also recognize Lynn White, the finance chair of the Merced NAACP, with the Spirit Award, honoring her lifelong commitment to civil rights and community service.
“Her influence cannot be measured,” Cobb said. “She uplifts others, stands for justice, and strengthens the community through everyday acts of courage and love.”
Merced Police Sgt. Nathan McKinnon will receive the Guardian of Peace Award for his years of service protecting the Unity March and its participants.
Organizers said they want to honor his steady leadership and commitment to community safety as he approaches retirement.
The committee will also present its first MLK Economic Empowerment Award, recognizing the first Black Chamber of Commerce in Merced.
New elements for this year’s event include a community choir, youth praise dancers, ethnic dance groups and student essay contest winners.
Organizers say all youth attending the event will be invited to eat lunch as part of the celebration’s focus on care and inclusion.
“This is about more than a march,” Cobb said. “It’s about honoring a legacy that is still alive. Immeasurable, just like Dr. King.”
For more information, or to donate, volunteer, or participate, community members can contact mlkdynasty2025@yahoo.com or call 209-205-5876.