Fires force officials to move King Parade to Feb. 17

By Shirley Hawkins

Contributing Writer

CRENSHAW — Organizers of the annual Kingdom Day Parade honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. have postponed the event, scheduled to be held Jan. 18, and rescheduled it for President’s Day, Feb. 17, due to the current wildfires that continue to impact Southern California  and the area’s air quality.

The fires are still leaving homes and businesses destroyed in its wake and is considered the costliest natural disaster in recent history.

Adrian Dove, parade chairman, announced that Feb. 17 was selected because of the President’s Day holiday and because it is in the middle of Black History Month. 

“We want to ensure our city’s emergency agencies can continue to serve the communities that need them most,” Dove said. “This decision reflects our respect and compassion for those affected by this monumental tragedy.

“Martin Luther King Jr. stood for service and love for our neighbors. In his honor, CORE-CA joins countless Angelenos in supporting relief efforts and encourages everyone to contribute where they can.”

The parade’s leadership, including President and event producer Sabra Waddy, emphasized their dedication to aiding those in need during this difficult time. 

This year’s theme, “Peace and Unity: Let It Start With Us,” remains profoundly significant, Waddy said. It reminds us of the resilience and strength found in unity as communities come together to support one another.

“We look forward to gathering soon to celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy of peace, unity and service,” Waddy added.

The postponement is the second date change for this year’s parade. Normally held on the third Monday of January which is the official designation of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the parade was moved to Jan. 18 so as not to conflict with the inauguration of President Donald Trump. 

The Kingdom Day Parade is a cherished Los Angeles tradition. It has grown into the nation’s largest and longest-running celebration of King’s birthday, drawing as many as 200,000 in-person attendees and reaching more than 1.4 million viewers on air and online. The event features a vibrant array of marching bands, drill teams, equestrian units, and floats, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Los Angeles.  

Highlights of the parade include the return of the Disneyland Resorts, bringing its iconic and beloved characters and Disney Cast Members to add a touch of magic to the festivities. From dazzling floats to lively performances, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, Blue Shield of California returns as the Presenting Sponsor.

“As we celebrate the 40th annual Kingdom Day Parade, we invite everyone to honor Dr. King’s legacy through action, compassion and unity,” Dove said. “In today’s complex and ever-changing political landscape, the call for peace and understanding has never been more essential.” 

This year marks a significant milestone as Dove has announced he plans to retire from promoting the parade after this year. 

“As we honor the incredible legacy of Adrian Dove in his final year as our chairman and visionary leader, we also look ahead with excitement and purpose,” Waddy said. “Next year, we’ll embark on a new chapter with plans to unveil an extraordinary addition to the parade. This special initiative is designed to help engage youth leaders nationwide to carry King’s dream forward. This parade is about remembering the past and building a brighter future.”

Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed filmmaker, will serve as grand marshal of this year’s parade. Her groundbreaking work in film and storytelling reflects the principles of equality and justice that King championed, making her a fitting choice to lead this year’s celebration, Waddy said.

The parade will follow its usual route, starting at the intersection of Western Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and moving west on MLK to Crenshaw Boulevard. At Crenshaw, the parade continues south to Vernon Avenue, culminating with a festival in Leimert Park.

Shirley Hawkins is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at shirleyhawkins700@gmail.com.

       
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