Save the Date! Long Beach’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration Returns January 18, 2025

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PRESS RELEASE

Above: Participants parade down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue at a previous Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration event.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach and Office of Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro proudly present the 37th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration, a family-friendly event honoring the life, legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Central Long Beach.

"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," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "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 2025 festivities will begin with the parade kickoff at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by the park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). The park celebration will include a main stage with live entertainment, a kid zone, food and merchandise vendors, and more.

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the diverse community of Central Long Beach. This festival serves to honor and keep alive the ideals of Dr. King through arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives.

"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.," said Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro. "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 interested in participating in the parade may submit a parade application now through Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. Participants are encouraged to incorporate appropriate elements that honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, such as quotes, photos, banners or flags.

The City is also seeking friendly, eager and enthusiastic volunteers to support the parade and park celebration. Volunteers must be ages 18 years or older, and responsibilities will include standing at barricades to ensure the safety and enjoyment of parade participants and spectators, staffing the information booth, trash collection, and general assistance with event set up and break down. Residents, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in volunteering at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration can find more information and sign up for volunteer shifts via the online registration link.

More information about the parade and celebration will be available at a later date at longbeach.gov/mlkparade/.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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