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Long Beach’s Martin Luther King Jr. parade returns Jan. 18
Long Beach Dec 28, 2024
Participants parade down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue at a previous MLK parade. | Photo courtesy of the city of Long Beach
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The 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration is a family-friendly event that honors the life, legacy and values of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and is set to take place Jan. 18 in Central Long Beach.
The 2025 event starts with the parade kickoff at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by a celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave. The park celebration features a main stage with live performances, a kid zone, food and merchandise vendors plus other attractions.
“Each year, we gather to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose vision for a just and equitable society continues to inspire us all,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “We invite the community to join us once again as we remember and reflect on his ideals for peace, unity and justice. Dr. King’s dream is alive in each step we take.”
The annual event is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the Central Long Beach’s diverse community, according to the city. This festival aims to honor and promote King’s ideals via “arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives.”
District 6 Councilwoman Suely Saro, said in a statement, “It is an honor to welcome the community once again to this year’s celebration, where we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we come together, we embody his values of compassion, equity and unity and commit ourselves to an inspiring and bright future for all.”
Local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups that would like to take part in the parade may submit applications through Monday, officials said. Participants are encouraged to incorporate appropriate elements that honor Kings’ life and legacy, such as quotes, photos, banners or flags.
Event organizers also seek “friendly, eager and enthusiastic volunteers” to support the parade and park event. Volunteers must be age 18 or older. Tasks for volunteers include standing at barricades to monitor public safety, working at the event’s information booth, trash collection and general assistance with event set up and break down. More information and registration for volunteer shifts is the online.
The parade and celebration’s website is at longbeach.gov/mlkparade.
