Lompoc’s 2020 MLK Day Celebration gets grant from Fund for Santa Barbara

LOMPOC, Calif.-

Lompoc's Martin Luther King Committee is rejoicing a grant award they received for their 2020 MLK Day Celebration. The Fund for Santa Barbara granted the group the money for their work in the community.

“We can not tolerate it any longer the cup of endurance has run over,” called out Martin Luther King a civil rights leader that changed the nation. He is celebrated and remembered on the national holiday dedicated to him.

Lompoc's Martin Luther King Committee took extensive time and energy applying for the prestigious grant - something not taken lightly.

“The process was an extensive process, that took several months,” said one of the event founders
Pastor Ronald Wiley.

Around 80 different organizations apply for the grant each year.
The Fund for Santa Barbara gives grants to community organizations who advocate for social change.

“We were awarded from the Santa Barbara Fund $2,500!” exclaimed Pastor Wiley.

The money will be used towards extending the day longer then previous years as well as adding new attractions to the event.

“Besides the three dynamic speakers we are have additional dance groups and culturally diverse tables to display,” said Pastor Wiley.

“It's important that we come together in our community to celebrate Martin Luther King Junior Day and to get ready for Black History Month,” said Lompoc Pastor and community advocate Darrell Tullis .

Community members say the celebration is something much needed in Lompoc.

“It brings excitement it brings energy to our community and it allows us to come out for something that is positive,” said Tullis.

The event will be on January 20th from 11am to 2:30pm at El Camino Community Center in Lompoc.

“It's important that we promote and continue to press on towards the dream that Martin Luther King Jr had that all men were equal,” said Pastor Wiley.

Organizers say the day's celebration is for all regardless of race, religion or orientation.

“Everyone is welcome the more the merrier,” said Pastor Wiley.