Sacramentans march in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr.

A beautiful sunrise started the day off right for the large turnout of people who gathered together in support of the 43rd annual March for the Dream event held at Sacramento City College on Monday, Jan. 20.

The march, hosted by the nonprofit MLK365, began with an early walk called the extra mile, from the Oak Park Community Center to City College, and later proceeded with a 4.5 mile walk.

Between both marches a scheduled program addressed the multitude of people in the west parking lot of City College, giving many community leaders and elected officials an opportunity to speak on behalf of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Sacramento County District 5 Supervisor Pat Hume spoke from a mic to the crowd, referencing a favorite quote of his from King, “Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke on the inspiration of King’s legacy and how it had motivated so many over the years to fight for justice.

“We are at our best when we take care of one another, when we look after each other, when we focus on us, and we, and not I, and me,” Bonta said.

Contemporary gospel vocalist and singer-songwriter Samona Whiteside sang the Black National Anthem titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson.

Whiteside said it was a great honor to serve her community in song and to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

“Seeing all of the people, community leaders and partners gathered together in unity for this event made me feel hopeful and inspired,” Whiteside said. “It’s always hard to sing in front of a large crowd of people, but the purpose was greater than me.”

After the scheduled program came to a conclusion at City College, the 4.3-mile walk began by making its way out of the parking lot, starting at Sutterville Road to Freeport Boulevard through Land Park and then along Broadway and Freeport Boulevard back to City College.

People from all backgrounds walked peacefully with one another, some carrying banners and signs remembering King and promoting what he stood for, as others carried signage that reflected the current political issues of today.

Sacramento City Unified School District School Board Trustee Chinua Rhodes has been coming to the march since he was a child. “It’s been a tradition,” he said, “and now I have become one of the local elected officials to make sure that we live the values that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had, of equality, partnership and to build a beautiful community.