LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Southern California residents spare no expense on how to honor the legacy of the equal rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Long Beach Parade

After postponing the parade in 2022, the City of Long Beach is thrilled to reveal the return of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration, which will take place in Central Long Beach on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. After a two-year break owing to the pandemic, the festival will return for its 35th year. Participants are urged to be a part of the celebration to recognize and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and principles.

“It’s a nice way to be able to honor someone’s legacy,” Shannon Logo, a participant in the parade, said. The march will begin at 10 a.m. at the junction of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by a park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration has become a long-standing event highlighting Central Long Beach’s varied population. This event honors and preserves Dr. King’s numerous principles via the arts, memories, and relevant viewpoints.

More information on the celebration can be found here.

Winter Sock Drive

On Jan. 16, the city of Long Beach is holding “Help Our Houseless Neighbor” as a way to help the homeless. From 9 a.m. to noon, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. park to donate new and unopened socks to help warm the homeless.

“Just because it’s going to rain, that doesn’t mean you can’t help others,” Noel Sherbert, a donator, said. Make sure to wear proper clothing to stay warm while delivering donations.

More information on the drive can be found here.

11th Annual M.L.K. Clothing Drive

Los Angeles is excited about the return of the annual M.L.K. Clothing Drive on Monday. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 24th Street Elementary School. Although previously the drive accepted new clothing, due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the event will only be accepting newly bought clothes.

“It’s not just about making ourselves feel good. It’s to help others,” Micheal Snap, a participant, said. In addition to the drive, crafts will be available to help local nonprofits, entertainment from the Blue Breeze band, community breakfast, and more!

More information about the drive can be found here.