Monday, February 17, 2025
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day march is a staple in Long Beach’s yearly celebration. Community members from all over gather to walk the streets in remembrance.
Long Beach’s MLK Center, city officials and residents alike come together to show what MLK Board Chair Sheena Curry says is most important: unity.
“The whole weekend is about this beloved community,” Curry said. “It’s about unity, bringing the entire community together, and in a time where we are facing so many challenges, I just want it to be inspirational.”
The march will step off from Laurelton Boulevard and West Park Avenue at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 and end at the MLK Center, located at 615 Riverside Blvd. The march will be immediately followed by a ceremony at the MLK Center. The walk spans for four blocks.
The march serves to remember and honor the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact during — and long after —the Civil Rights Movement. The following ceremony will feature speakers from the community, connecting the importance of remembering King and lives today.
King played a crucial role in promoting racial justice for African Americans. The march serves as a platform to advocate for ongoing efforts to achieve King’s dream of a society where individuals are judged by their character, not skin color, and stands as a reminder of present-day struggles for equality.
“After the march and the ceremony when everyone leaves, I hope they’re inspired to take part in their community,” Curry said. “I hope they’re inspired to be a part of the change that I hope everyone wants to see in the world right now, and that’s togetherness. I hope that’s what people feel walking in and out of the MLK Center.”
Curry joined the center last year as its new board chair, taking over for Cedrick Coad. With this being her first Martin Luther King Jr. march and ceremony as board chair, she has to be at the forefront. She said it’s a little nerve-wracking but she’s ready, and excited, to help lead the charge.
“It’s pretty scary, because I’ve never participated in an event like this before,” Curry said. “So, it has this challenges, but I’m so blessed. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to represent Dr. Martin Luther King. He is such an inspiration to me, to my family, to my culture, and I’m just happy that I can represent him and represent his legacy. And, hopefully, be an example that he was for us, to the kids that come into the community center, the kids of North Park, and beyond.”
