Even now, 49 years after his death, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,'s contribution to developing a more equal society, one where all Americans have the opportunity to succeed, remains unmatched.
Each year, the Legislature honors his birthday with a concurrent resolution. This year, I am proud to be a lead author of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 5 to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., in 2017.
We also must make every effort to keep the progress we have made in place and move forward, not backward, as we face uncertainty with the results of the recent election.
Today, I encourage you to give back to the community in Dr. King's honor. You can perform community service or stand up for an ideal you believe in, while working to make the world a better place. Fight to improve the lives of others, this is the legacy I believe Dr. King, would want in his memory.
In his words, "Everybody can be great, because anybody can 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. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr., Day!
Here are list of community events in the 41st Assembly District:
LA VERNE
Monday, January 16, 2017 | Volunteer Opportunities All day
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Action
University of La Verne
1950 3rd St. |La Verne, CA 91750
Through Dr. Martin Luther King, Day, Jr., Day of Service, the University of La Verne seeks to not only recommit itself to its own mission, but also to invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to honor the legacy of service and community that inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and so many others by being of service to surrounding communities. This year's theme is unity and pluralism; this day of service is a call to action to work together across diverse experiences to serve others at various community organizations.
For more information, visit: https://sites.laverne.edu/civic-and-community-engagement/mlk-day-of-service-2016/
PASADENA
Saturday, January 14, 2017 | 8:00 a.m.--Noon
MLK Day of Service: A Day On, Not Off
Pasadena High School, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. | Pasadena, CA 91107
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 a cooperation between Martin Luther King, Community Coalition and Pasadena Unified School District and the school principal.
For more information, send an email to info@pasadenamlk.com.
Sunday, January 15, 2017 | 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Service
Metropolitan Baptist Church, 3:30 p.m.
2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave. | Altadena, CA 91001
Description: The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Pasadena (IMA) presents its annual "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Service," featuring local pastors. The event is hosted by Rev. Tyrone L. Skinner from Metropolitan Baptist Church. The IMA, a fellowship of more than thirty spiritual leaders of the community, comprised of local pastors and ministers, has been sponsoring these celebrations since the first year after Dr. King's death in 1968.
For more information, visit http://ima-greaterpasadena.org/index.html
Monday, January 16, 2017 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Celebration and Student Awards
Charles W. Eliot Middle School (new location!)
2184 N. Lake Ave. | Altadena, CA 91001
8.-9:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast
9:30 .-10:30 a.m.: Teach-in
9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: King, Holiday Celebration and Program
Description: The Martin Luther King, Community Coalition, Pasadena Unified School District, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, and Aspires West of Pasadena in conjunction with the city of Pasadena, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Gamma Lambda chapter presents the Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Breakfast and Celebration.
Families, friends, community members, local and state political leaders will be in attendance as student finalists are presented awards for their participation in the MLK Community Coalition Essay and Visual & Performing Arts Contest. This free event features guest speakers, music, food, arts and crafts for kids, and is the culminating ceremony of the 2016 MLK Holiday Celebration events.
For more information, send an email to info@pasadenamlk.com.
MONROVIA
"DREAMS FOR OUR CHILDREN" - A MONROVIA COMMUNITY PUBLIC ART PROJECT HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, Jr.,
To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and all of his contributions to establishing a better society here in America, the city is coordinating a two-part community public art project centered on the theme of "Dreams for our Children"
Stop by the library, community center, or Monrovia City Hall, and pick up a Dreams for our Children tag. Adults are then invited to write or draw your hopes for our children on the tags, while children are encouraged to illustrate their dreams for the future. Then, we'll be asking, everyone to either return their tag to the Monrovia Library, or to swing by the library during the Friday Night Family Street Fair on January 13, 2017 to hang your tag on a Dream Tree.
The second part of the project is focused on the development of community artwork. The art open house will be held on January 16, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Monrovia Library (321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia).