By Nicholas Ibarra | OBSERVER Staff Writer

Every year on the third Monday of January, the world celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the national holiday falls on January 17. Not only do we celebrate Dr. King’s birth and life, but the contributions that he has made toward a more equal and unbiased world for all. To honor his legacy, there will be numerous events being held in Sacramento and online. 

MLK Virtual March 

On Jan. 17 starting at 9 a.m, MLK365.org will be hosting a virtual march to honor the legacy of the great Martin Luther King Jr. The online event will recognize leaders in the community while also sharing arts, community, and conversations. 

Sam Starks, coordinator of MLK365.org, encourages all people to “use their voices for change” and to “do whatever you do so well that it leaves people talking about, that is your power, that is how you create change.”

MLK365 has hosted this march in Sacramento for 42 years, the last 2 years being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Register for the online event here: https://mlk365.org/Register/

#ReclaimMLK Caravan and Parade 

On Jan. 17, starting at 9 a.m, join BLM and NAACP Sacramento as they host the 7th annual #ReclaimMLK Car Caravan and Parade. 

The Caravan will go through select pick-up and destination locations throughout Sacramento. Come to any of these locations to join the parade. They are the following: 

  • North Sac: Grant Union High School (decorating at 8 a.m.) 
  • Central Sac: Sacramento City College rear parking lot on Sutterville (decorating at 9:45 a.m.)
  • Final Pick-up: Oak Park Community Center (decorating at 9:45 a.m.)
  • Final Destination: California State University of Sacramento

At the Final destination, CSU Sacramento, there will be guest speakers followed by a rally.  Due to COVID protocols, attendees will be required to wear masks.

UC Davis School of Law King Hall MLK Day of Service and Celebration ‘22

On Jan. 17 at noon, the UC Davis School of Law will host a celebration at their King Hall via Zoom. The celebration will include guest speakers like BLSA President Mariam Sossouadouno, UC Davis Law Dean Kevin Johnson and the keynote speaker, Sterling Anderson. 

Sterling Anderson has won many awards and recognitions, one of his most important being the NAACP Image Award for “The Simple Life of Noah Dearborn.” It was written for CBS and starred the late Sidney Poitier. It also received three Emmy nominations.

Those that want to attend the online event must register here: https://ucdavislaw.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlcOmtrz0jGN0btQ4ANxWlB3OvhPSzUxvF 

Cancelled: MLK Fitness and Education Camp

The MLK Fitness and Education Camp event set for Jan. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, at the Oak Park Community Center has been cancelled. The event was set to be presented by Sacramento Juneteenth, Inc. and Kidd’s Sports and Education.