The City of Long Beach is gearing up for its 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration set to pay tribute to the civil rights icon on Saturday, January 13th, according to the city's announcement. A melange of local leaders and community heroes will lead the festivities, serving as Grand Marshals, including dedicated Councilmember Al Austin II, Khmer Parent Association's Chan and Mark Hopson, Long Beach Pride President Tonya Martin, and Long Beach Arts Council's Griselda Suarez.

The parade will start with a bang at 10 a.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street parading through the heart of Central Long Beach, a longstanding tradition that showcases the neighborhood's unique mixture of culture, advocacy, and remembrance of Dr. King's mission and values. Participants and onlookers can then proceed to Martin Luther King Jr. Park for an afternoon bash featuring Gravity Dance Company, The Block PARTY Band, DW3, and Virgil Gibson, where festivities will continue until 5 p.m. with live music, a kids' zone, food, and an array of vendors, all punctuated with DJ Count’s intermittent sets throughout the day.

Highlighting the event's import, the 2024 Peace Maker Awards will salute community members who embody Dr. King's ethos of compassion and nonviolence. As per the city's announcement, this year's honorees include Keith Lilly for his mentoring efforts through Developing Future Leaders, Karen Reside, a champion for seniors and founder of Cultural Alliance of Long Beach, ‘Hood Santa’ Tito Rodriguez for his work with Local Hearts Foundation, and Susana Sngiem, tirelessly fighting for the Cambodian community in Long Beach.

Backing this monumental tradition, a host of sponsors include the Port of Long Beach and the offices of various City Council members, along with Long Beach Airport, emphasizing the broad support for the community and the values Dr. King stood for. Those itching for a full rundown of the proceedings, or the lowdown on this year’s Grand Marshals and Peace Makers can find more details on the event by visiting Long Beach's official website.