By Nicholas Ibarra | The Sacramento OBSERVER

On Nov. 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill acknowledging the third Monday of January as the day we celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. It was observed and celebrated by all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Monday, Jan. 15, marks Sacramento’s 42nd annual celebration. Organizations across Sacramento have planned marches and acts of community service to honor the legacy of the late Dr. King. Millions around the world will celebrate and continue to work toward his lifelong dream of equality for all.

Sam Starks, founder of MLK 365, has led the charge in keeping Dr. King’s memory alive in Sacramento for the last 20 years. “What started off as a memorial march to remember Dr. King has also been at the crossroads of various issues such as the murder of Oscar Grant in 2009 at the Fruitvale BART Station in Oakland,” Starks said. “The march has intersected with various social issues, movements and protests seeking justice. Black Lives Matter and people across race and culture have come to Sacramento seeking to keep their dreams alive.

“We have been committed to creating a space where all people can honor Dr. King by walking and talking across culture. Ours is more than a community march; we get people from San Jose, San Francisco, Yolo County, Tahoe, Stockton. We honor Dr. King by putting his ideas and values into practice. We have drawn as many as 30,000 marchers.”

Saturday, Jan. 13

Sunday, Jan. 14

  • SLC Sunday Experience: Gifts from Dr. Martin Luther King – 9 a.m.-noon at Spiritual Life Center. What makes Dr. King the icon he has become are the principles he taught that anyone can apply in life. When enough people practice those principles, we move closer to bringing into reality the “beloved community” King envisioned. Free and open to the public.
  • Bowling for Change – 7 p.m.-midnight at Capitol Bowl. This party with a purpose will be a night filled with fun, laughter, music, food, drinks and friendship. All proceeds support the Nobility Educational Foundation programs (college scholarships, mentoring and more). Tickets from $20.

Monday, Jan. 15

  • The Extra Mile March – 7:30 a.m. at Oak Park Community Center. The “extra mile” is the optional first leg of the march for those who consider themselves a “community leader.” It is so called because leaders sometimes have to get up earlier and walk a little farther than those they lead. Begin the march at either location. Free and open to the public.
  • The 42nd Annual March for the Dream – 8 a.m. at Sacramento City College. The march officially begins in the Sacramento City College parking lot next to Hughes Stadium. Out of an abundance of caution, everyone is encouraged to mask up and dress for cool weather. Free and open to the public.
  • North Sacramento/Del Paso Heights MLK March – 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Grant Union High School. A short program preceding the march will honor Pastor Ronnie Walton, Pastor Robin Hood, Golden 1 Credit Union and Twin Rivers Unified School District. A resource and business fair immediately follows the march, bringing together community resources to provide for North Sacramento/Del Paso Heights. Free and open to the public.
  • 6th Annual MLK Jr. Day March and Family Celebration – 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Johnson-Springview Park. This year’s focus is “Attaining the Beloved Community” in continuing Dr. King’s work for nonviolence. Be entertained as you enjoy food vendors and browse community booths. Free and open to the public.
  • Reclaim MLK: A Day of Service – Blacker the Berry & Greens Garden Day – 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Blacker the Berry & Greens Garden, Oak Park. Black Lives Matter Sacramento hosts a community day of service to fortify the Blacker the Berry & Greens Garden in Oak Park. Masks are required and people are encouraged to wear warm clothes and proper shoes for wet weather. Free and open to the public.
  • 4th Annual MLK Celebration – Noon-2 p.m. at Ulatis Community Center, Vacaville. The event features a keynote speech by Maurice “Mo” Arnold of Mo_losophy LLC, DJ John Laxa of Premier 6 Events, a dance performance by Bliss Urban Arts Center, information from local nonprofits, poetry readings, and presentations by local elected and community leaders. Free and open to the public.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Service – 6-7:30 p.m. at Saint Paul Church of Sacramento. Martin Luther King Jr. Service – “It Starts with You: Shifting Cultural Climate,” hosted by Saint Paul Church MLK DreamTeam Celebration Choir with guest speaker Pastor Amos Brown. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, Jan. 27

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Sacramento 25th Anniversary Gala – 5-10 p.m. at Sacramento State, University Ballroom. Please join as this Sacramento tradition continues to build bridges among the community, elected officials, clergy, nonprofits and students of all ages as they create new paths for a better and brighter future for everyone. You’re invited to commemorate, celebrate and be educated at the 25th anniversary event as the work of Dr. King and tens of thousands of people who have fought and continue to fight for equality across the country is remembered. Tickets from $100.

Street Closure

For the safety of participants and residents, the Sacramento Police Department will facilitate rolling street closures throughout the events. Officers will close streets as late as possible and reopen as early as safety allows.

March for the Dream

Street closures will occur along the following:

  • 13th Avenue between Freeport Boulevard and Land Park Drive
  • Land Park Drive between 13th Avenue and Broadway
  • Broadway between 16th Street and Freeport Boulevard
  • Freeport Boulevard between Broadway and Sutterville Road

The North Sacramento/Del Paso Heights Martin Luther King Jr. March

Street closures will occur during the march at the following locations:

  • Grant Union High School off Grand Avenue
  • Marysville/Del Paso Boulevard
  • Eleanor Avenue
  • Norwood Avenue
  • Fairbanks Avenue
  • Mabel Street
  • Silver Eagle Road
  • Norwood Avenue
  • Grand Avenue

Observer EIC Steve Magagnini contributed to this story