Councilwoman Sue Lee Saro and the Long Beach African American Cultural Center announced plans for a Martin Luther King Jr. parade and community celebration Saturday, Jan. 17.

The event’s theme, announced by Derek Simpson, president of the Long Beach African American Cultural Center board of directors, is “Rise up, stand up for his dream.” Simpson said the parade will begin at 10 a.m. on MLK Avenue in Anaheim and the celebration at MLK Park will run from noon to 5 p.m., with live performances, food vendors and youth activities.

"Events like the Martin Luther King Jr. parade and celebration underscore our city's commitment to creating space to honor history, strengthen belonging, and advancing racial equity," Councilwoman Sue Lee Saro said. She said the organizers’ vision is "a Long Beach where race and ethnicity do not determine social and economic outcomes for those who live, work, play, and age here."

Organizers asked residents to come out for the parade and the park celebration. An unidentified organizer speaking for the planning team said the event aims to "reflect our neighborhoods and our shared vision" and to bring community voices into programming.

Details provided in the announcement: the parade is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.; the community celebration in the park is planned for noon to 5 p.m.; activities will include live performances, food vendors and youth activities. The transcript identifies the parade start location as "MLK Avenue in Anaheim" and the park location as "MLK Park." Organizers are based in Long Beach and promoted the event as a Long Beach celebration; the announcement did not specify permitting, sponsoring agencies, safety plans, or funding sources.

Organizers encouraged attendance and said they look forward to celebrating with the community on Jan. 17.