Residents from all segments of the Merced community will gather Monday in honor of civil rights legend, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at the annual march and celebration.
The theme of this year’s event is “Living the Dream,” which was inspired by the historic “I Have A Dream” speech Dr. King presented as part of the “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom” in 1963.
Participants will gather 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 in front of the Amtrak station at 324 W. 24th St. in Merced. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., proceeding down Martin Luther King Way to the Merced Theatre, where a celebration will be held.
Tamara Cobb of the Merced Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, the group spearheading the event, said children will participate in the celebration event by talking about “how they dream” and what the legacy of Dr. King means to them.
“We want to reach the community in our unity message,” Cobb said. Every year we do it larger and do it better.”
The grand marshal for this year’s event is Andre Griggs, founder of Restorative Justice League.
A Humanitarian Award will be presented to Walter Smith for his community advocacy and his role on the city’s planning commission and parks and recreation commission, Cobb said.
A Spirit Award will be presented to Ella Luna-Garza, pastor of United Methodist church, for her committment to community advocacy.
Featured speakers will include Pastor Allen Huddleston and Pastor Nailah Hubbard. Allen Brooks of the Merced NAACP is the scheduled master of ceremonies.
Merced police have said there will be extra security at this year’s parade, due to the recent terrorist attacks the happened in New Orleans.