Inglewood, CA – The City of Inglewood presented its 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration, Saturday, January 18, 2020, from 9:00am-6:00pm.
The national holiday in the United States is further proof of Dr. King’s legacy. There was a celebration in various cities across the nation this past weekend.
City officials couldn’t have asked for a better day to hold this signature event. The celebration was held on a beautiful, sunny, picture-perfect day, with clear skies.
The theme of the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration was I Choose Peace, Love and Respect.”
Several hundred people gathered inside The Tabernacle early Saturday morning for this rousing, commemorative service to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On-Air Host Dominique DiPrima (Radio Free 102.3FM KJLH) served as Mistress of Ceremony.
Los Angeles Chapter of the Greater Music Workshop of America lifted up their voices with songs of Praise. The program continued with the Invocation, delivered by Reverend Frederick D. Shaw, Jr. Associate Pastor, True Faith Ministries.
Jackie Robinson Auxiliary Color Guard, Unit 252 posted COLORS and led the crowd in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. addressed the crowd and acknowledged the dignitaries that were present. Mr. Henry Brown, Chairman, 2020 King Day Planning Committee extended greetings to all in attendance.
Anointed Feet Dance Ensemble, under the Direction of Dr. Kanisha Bennett wowed the crowd with a Glorious dance selection.
King Day Grand Marshals, actor Asante Blackk, Ashley Mackey, Community Reporter, ABC7 Eyewitness News and Byron Scott, Los Angeles Lakers Legend and NBA Analyst gave inspiring, memorable speeches in keeping with the theme of the day.
The highlight of the morning was witnessing and hearing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Speech Contest Winners. Each one delivered a dynamic speech on the topic I Choose Peace, Love and Respect.” The speech winners received a standing ovation at the conclusion of their respective speeches as well a monetary award and a Certificate of Recognition. The Ecumenical program concluded with the Benediction by Rev. Robert Douglas, President, Inglewood Area Ministers Association.
Part 2 of the King Day Celebration featured a celebratory parade. Participants left The Tabernacle, paraded down Eucalyptus Avenue to Manchester Blvd, east on Manchester Boulevard to Hillcrest Boulevard.
A Sense of Self was on display as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. A Sense of Self is collaborative public art by Michele Asselin and thirteen teens from South Bay Teen Center and St. Mary’s Academy. Each teen identified one person who fostered individual self-worth and significance. The teens then photographed and interviewed each mentor in a portrait studio. Their photographs and interview were printed on a 130’ vinyl banner that was displayed at the intersection of Market and Queen Streets. The City of Inglewood presented Certificate of Achievements to each teen.
The 3rd and final segment of this magnificent celebration continued with a King Fest that featured various commercial vendors, give-a-ways, engaging arts and crafts, interactive games, food and live entertainment produced by HMG-Hannibal Media Group, Elevate CVLTVRE, City of Inglewood, Party in My Living Room and 102.3FM Radio Free KJLH.
Hats off to the above mention producers for this stellar line-up of musicians who entertained the crowd with a huge spectrum of music. The KJLH Stage featured R&B, Soul provided by Tia P, Sonna, Jimetta Rose, special surprise appearance and performance by Ruff Endz and Jon B. Funkalicious funkified the proceeding with some old school jams. Las Chikas spiced up the celebration with a sizzling set of Salsa. Mali Music raised the bar with a roof-raising set of Gospel music. Bobo and Guy Black were the host.
The PlMLR+ Elevate Culture Stage featured the awesome talents of DJ Battlecat, Tiffany Gouche, DJ R-Tistic, The Voices of Creation, The Katalyst Collective, Wyann Vaughn, Iman Europe, Clay Dub, Hannah Go Traps, Fat Ron, Kabasa with Leon Mobley, hosted by Thurz & DJ Qwesscoast.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based music reviewer, writer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]
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