Public urged to ‘recommit’ to Martin Luther King’s values

Making a stand to “recommit” to the values of Martin Luther King Jr., hundreds gathered in De La Guerra Plaza this morning and walked to a special presentation inside the Arlington Theater.

“I come every year,” said Julie Carlson. “It is the most important holiday in America. So I come to stand and march with people and work for something that matters like equity and justice.”

The group was led by elected politicians and community leaders. Many children marched with their parents. Some of the kids learned about King last week in school prior to the holiday.

The recommitment theme was mentioned many times by speakers who urged fairness, justice and equality in the days ahead as the nation goes through a change in the Presidency.

“I want to show my kids that we are in solidarity to support tolerance and civil rights. We live in a great country and I want them to understand our history,” said Jessica Zavala.

Local entertainer and resident Pepper Peppermint said, “It is truly a disgrace what we have done to America and we need to fix it an put our petty differences aside.”

Newly elected Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-24) said the fight for justice goes on, and he is committed to the challenges he takes on in the House of Representatives. Carbajal is frustrated that President-elect Trump is giving more attention to Soviet Leader Vladimir Putin than American civil rights leaders.

State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson said four million Californians did not support Donald Trump for President and the state will have conflicts with the White House.

They urged the public to speak out about civil rights and not to be silent.

Inside a special presentation at the Arlington Theatre, the audience heard from religious leaders, poets and musicians.

The event had the theme “I’ve decided to stick with love.”

In the past few days there have been walks, open mic receptions, dances, panel discussions and workshop services related to the holiday.