Even now, a half century after his death, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions toward developing a more equal society, one where all Americans have the opportunity to succeed, remain unmatched.
Each year, the Legislature honors his birthday with a Concurrent Resolution. I am proud to be a co-author of this year’s Assembly Concurrent Resolution 146 to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2020.
Today, I encourage you to give back to your community in his honor, and participate in a local event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.
In his words, "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
As we remember the past, we must endeavor to use those lessons to inform the present and shape the future. I trust that you will do something meaningful to commemorate his legacy.
MLK Community Coalition Events:
Rekindling the Light of Peace
January 11
10 a.m.
Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Description: The Pasadena Human Relations Commission invites the public to attend the 20th Annual “Rekindling the Light of Peace” event in the City Council Chambers at Pasadena City
Hall. This free event features guest speakers, music and poetry readings and is a prelude to celebrations that occur on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
MLK Essay and Visual Arts Finalists’ Public Readings, Displays, and Presentations
Tuesday, January 14
5 p.m.
Longfellow Elementary School, 5:30 p.m.
1065 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104
Description: Come listen to original speeches and enjoy an evening of viewing beautiful artwork and performances paying tribute to Dr. King by the MLK Essay and Visual Arts Contest finalists and winners. The hosting school organizes the event to showcase some of the other diverse talents of the students.
MLK Day of Service: A Day On, Not Off
Saturday, January 18
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Muir High School, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1905 N. Lincoln Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
Description: On the Saturday before the MLK Day of Service, it is our tradition to provide a local school with volunteers to help beautify the campus. We will plant flowers, clean up, and do
several maintenance tasks. Afterwards, we will enjoy a nice lunch and entertainment from the students from the school. This is collaboration between Martin Luther King Community Coalition and Pasadena Unified School District and the school principal.
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
Sunday, January 19
3:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Baptist Church
2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Altadena, CA 91001
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration and Student Awards
Monday, January 20
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Robinson Park
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. | Pasadena, CA 91103
- 8:00 a.m. - Continental Breakfast & Teach-in
- 9:45 a.m. - Program begins
Find more MLK Day volunteer opportunities here.