By Kathy Chouteau
More than 50 years following Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, the City of El Cerrito is beckoning community members to walk in his footsteps to honor his life and message through the “36th Annual MLK Celebration” rally, march and program.
The free event, which is set for Monday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. in El Cerrito and is open to people of all ages, will have the theme of “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.”
The MLK Day Celebration’s activities will get started with the community gathering at 9 a.m. at El Cerrito City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. At 10 a.m., the parade will kick off and march through the city to El Cerrito High School. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be an event program at El Cerrito High School Performing Arts Theatre, 540 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito.
El Cerrito bears the distinction of its Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade and celebration being the longest consecutive running one in California, according to the City of El Cerrito. Organizers expect 1,000 people to participate in the 2025 event, including the Black Cowboys, Girl and Boy Scouts, local elementary and high schools, political dignitaries, high school marching bands, churches and community activists.
“Not only does the parade and rally honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his peaceful dream to promote racial equality, it also focuses on education and inclusion within our community,” said the City.
Volunteers and donations are also needed. Learn more about the event here.
