MLK activities planned for Friday night, Saturday morn

Paulette JK.jpg

Come rain or shine, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee of Gardena is inviting everyone to the 31st annual King Day Parade Saturday, Jan. 17. The parade will make its annual excursion through parts of the city beginning at 10 a.m. on the corner of Van Ness  and Marine avenues.

This year, the committee is honored to have YO-YO as its Celebrity Grand Marshal. Sheis an American hip-hop artist and actress.

Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequentsexism found in hip-hop music.

Come rain or shine, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Committee of Gardena is inviting everyone to the 31st annual King Day Parade Saturday, Jan. 17. The parade will make its annual excursion through parts of the city beginning at 10 a.m. on the corner of Van Ness  and Marine avenues.

This year, the committee is honored to have YO-YO as its Celebrity Grand Marshal. Sheis an American hip-hop artist and actress.

Much of her music has advocated female empowerment, denouncing the frequentsexism found in hip-hop music.

This year’s Community Grand Marshall will be Steven Bradford,former Democratic Assemblymember for the 62nd district of the California State Assembly.

“We have maintained a proud tradition and consistent line up of distinguished Grand Marshals,” committee officials said.

Recent participants have included, the"Fastest Woman Alive," OlympianCarmelita Jeter aka “JET”(2012 London Olympics), Olympian Marilyn White– (1964 Tokyo Olympics),  Omar Miller Benson (CSI Miami), Tammi Mac and Don Amichie(KJLH Radio), and Nautica De la Cruz(KJLH Radio.

Expected to participate this year  are local and state dignitaries, local high, middle school and elementary school bands and drill teams and a variety of civic and community clubs and organizations.

Following the parade will be a short stage presentation and special recognitions.

The Parade will north along Van Ness Avenue, to 132nd Street, and turning right on 132nd  Street (Rowley Park).

Also planned is the 42nd annual Youth Night Program at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16 at the Nakaoka Community Center 1670 West 162nd St. The program is free and will feature local youth talent and the presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay winners. 

For more information on the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, call 310-217-9537.