SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Each year in January, we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his leadership during the modern American Civil Rights Movement. King is widely regarded as one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history — he used the power of words, protests and civil disobedience to achieve progress towards racial equality.
Just a few of his notable achievements include his involvement during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a campaign that would later make racial segregation in transportation unconstitutional, as well as his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington, which would inspire the nation to act on civil rights. In 1964, Congress passed the landmark Civil Rights Act, which eliminated legalized racial segregation in the United States.
Across Northern California, organizers and community members are remembering Dr. King's legacy on Jan. 15, 2024. Here are some ways you can get involved.
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MLK 365: 42nd Annual March for the Dream
Join the 42nd annual March for the Dream, where attendees will participate in a four-mile march starting at the Sacramento City College parking lot between the college and Hughes Stadium. The tradition celebrates King's life and legacy as a civil rights leader, while promoting a platform to examine racial inequality in the community. There will be an optional first leg of the march, known as the Extra Mile, for community leaders. Attendees are encouraged to mask up and dress warm. You can find out more and register HERE.
- When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento
- Cost: Free
North Sacramento/Del Paso Heights MLK March
North Sacramento/Del Paso Heights community members will participate in a full day of activities centered around honoring the life of King. The event will include a short program before the MLK march, as well as a resource fair immediately after. You can find out more HERE.
- When: 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Where: Grant Union High School, 1400 Grand Ave.
- Cost: Free
6th Annual MLK, Jr. Day March and Family Celebration
The theme for for the 6th Annual Placer County MLK Jr. Day March and Family Celebration is "Attaining the Beloved Community," highlighting efforts to continue King's work for nonviolence. The celebration will kick off right at 9 a.m. with the march commencing at 9:15 a.m. The program will also include food vendors and community booths and will be rain or shine! You can register HERE.
- When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Johnson-Springview Park, 5th St., Rocklin
- Cost: Free
5th Annual MLK Day of Service and Celebration
UC Davis King Hall's Black Law Students Association, along with the MLK Day Working Group and the Office for Student Affairs, will put on their 5th annual MLK Day of Service and Celebration. This year's lineup will include a donation drive for Wellspring Women's Center, a blood drive at King Hall, a service day at Fourth and Hope in Woodland, as well as a talk by guest speaker Superior Court Judge Allison Williams. You can find out more about each of the activities HERE.
- When: 10 a.m.
- Where: UC Davis School of Law, King, Mrak Hall Dr., Davis
- Cost: Free
#ReclaimMLK: 2nd Annual Day of Service - Blacker the Berry & Greens Garden Day
Organizers with Black Lives Matter Sacramento and volunteers will come together for the 2nd Annual Blacker the Berry & Greens Garden Day in Oak Park. The day of service honors King and the garden itself was created to provide relief to Sacramento's Black community with access to free food. Coffee and snacks will be provided at the family-friendly event as volunteers help fortify the garden. You can find out more HERE.
- When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Blacker the Berry & Greens Garden, 3229 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Sacramento
- Cost: Free
Martin Luther King Day of Service | Citrus Harvest and Dinner
Join in on a day of community service and community building. Attendees will start at Camellia Coffee Roasters, where coffee and sandwiches will be provided. From there, participants will help drop off donations at River City Food Bank and end the night with a four-course citrus dinner. You must be 21 years old or older to attend. You can register HERE.
- When: 2:30-7:30 p.m.
- Where: Start at Camellia Coffee Roasters, 1200 R St. Ste. 130, Sacramento
- Cost: Free
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