Community Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy

A Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Jackie Robinson Park Monday brought part of King’s dream to reality as community leaders, state and congressional politicians, and educational leaders of all races joined hands and sang in support of the slain civil rights’ legacy.

The Martin Luther King Community Coalition in partnership with community organizations hosted a lively event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with singing, dancing, and student art and essay contests that captured the essence of King’s life and legacy.

“Until the dream is achieved we will continue to have this event,” Pasadenan Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs told the gathering.

Jacobs herself was instrumental in founding the Martin Luther King Community Coalition after her own contributions to the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s.

In the spirit of the movement that King led, the hundreds in attendance lifted voices to sing “We Shall Overcome,” the song that rang through the streets of the civil rights marches.

A documentary highlighted the most important parts of the Civil Rights movement to kick off the day of honoring MLK. From the Freedom March on Washington to JFK’s assassination, the passing of voting rights for all, and MLK’s speeches and death, the documentary reminded the community that one man can make a profound difference.

Those in attendance included Mayor Bill Bogaard, Congresswoman Judy Chu, State representative Carol Liu, State Assemblyman Chris Holden, PUSD Superintendent Jon Gundry, and Pasadena City College President Mark Rocha.

State Assemblyman Chris Holden recognized Dolores Hickenbottom as his selection for the 41st District of an “unsung hero” who worked behind the scenes for the Civil Rights movement.

“We can either fear problems, we can flee problems or we can face problems. If we face them we can begin to fix problems and if we can fix the problems than we can transform the world, our community and the lives,” Dr. David Jacobs said.

Councilmember John Kennedy reminded everyone that he came from humble beginnings and others can follow in his footsteps. He encouraged community members to help give a child more opportunities by becoming a mentor.

“Today we still have so much to do. Today there is so much poverty. In LA, 46 percent live in poverty. That is why we must make sure unemployment rights are restored in this nation,” Congresswoman Judy Chu said.

The panel discussed planting a seed for the next generation to know about what Martin Luther King did for the nation. The art and essay contest actively engaged the young students to participate in his legacy.

First place essay winners included Emory Schlanger, age 9 in 4th grade at San Rafael School, Natalie Brown, age 11 in 6th grade at the Gooden School, and Audrey Cameron, age 14 in 9th grade at The Peace and Justice Academy.

First place art contest winners included Emory Schlanger, age 9 in 4th grade at San Rafael School, Jazyln Turcios, age 12 in 7th grade at Marshall Fundamental School, and Yeieum Cho, age 16 in 11th grade at Blair International Baccalaureate School.

Pasadena Unified School District, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, and Aspires West of Pasadena in conjunction with the city of Pasadena, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Gamma Lambda chapter contributed to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday breakfast and celebration.