The Fresno community and local leaders observed Martin Luther King (MLK) Day with a march and a commemoration ceremony organized by the MLK Unity Committee on Monday.
“The purpose was to carry on and preserve and promote the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,” said Sudarshan Kapoor, one of the founding members of the MLK Unity Committee. “This is a legacy of love and compassion and working together and racial harmony, racial unity.”
Kapoor is also a former Fresno State professor and is the founder of the Peace Garden at Fresno State.
The event, titled the 42nd Annual Commemoration Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, took place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Downtown Fresno.
The celebration began in front of St. John’s Cathedral, with marchers making a quick stop in front of Fresno City Hall, where local leaders such as Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and Congressman Jim Costa gave commemorative speeches.
Dyer shared his excitement with the crowd and expressed the need to remember MLK’s legacy during a time of political division. Dyer denounced Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and their tactics during his speech.
Dyer also urged attendees to remain calm and avoid confrontation with ICE to prevent further harm and violence following the death of Renee Good in Minnesota.
The attendees came from all different backgrounds within the Fresno area and marched together to show their support for MLK’s legacy.
“Our family came out to support,” said attendee Sidney Thompson. “Especially to get our kids educated on civil rights and how it plays out into their lives as well.”
After the speeches at Fresno City Hall, the march continued all the way down to the front of the Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The commemoration program began with an awards ceremony in the auditorium at 11 a.m.
The Educational Leadership Award was given to Lisa Mitchell, the Community Leadership Award was given to Peter Roberston and the Les Kimber Community Services Award was given to the Black Women Organized for Political Action.
A discussion segment with Central Unified School District Superintendent Mark Marshall began after the award ceremony. Marshall discussed matters of King’s legacy and how community members can continue it.
“A lot of stuff he [MLK] said then is true till this day,” Marshall said during the segment.
The commemoration program and celebration closed with a prayer by Evangelist LaTisha Harris of The Harvest Connection Church.
Students and community members can keep up to date on future MLK Unity Committee events through the city of Fresno website.
