January 21st was a great day to honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this occasion, thousands united together for this special day to celebrate his life as well as his ideals that resonant in this community. At the March for the Dream and Diversity Expo event, people from all different backgrounds joined as one in this walk. The march started in Oak Park, officially started at Sacramento City College, headed through Midtown and Downtown Sacramento before winding at at the Diversity Expo at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Photo Credit: Sunny Le

March for the Dream

The March for the Dream is an annual march that offers the community to join. Accordingly, the “extra mile” started at the Oak Park Community Center, 3425 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, at 8:00 a.m. which left at 8:30 AM After the “extra mile,” the official start location began at Sacramento City College, 3835 Freeport Boulevard, at 9:00 AM that held speakers and entertainment, before heading downtown at 9:30 AM.

California State Senator Dr. Richard Pan Photo Credit: Sunny Le

At the official starting location, leaders of the community spoke at the stage. Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly, also spoke on stage. Also, Elk Grove City leaders joined in on the walk as well as hundreds of Elk Grove community members.

Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly Photo Credit: Sunny Le

Diversity Expo

The marchers made their way through the streets of Sacramento to the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, where they were welcomed at a review stand. At the end of the march, a Diversity Expo was set up with resource booths, vendors, and entertainment.

Also,  Elk Grove City employees staffed a booth at the Convention Center. For that reason, the city employees were there to educate people about Elk Grove’s efforts in diversity and inclusion.

Photo Credit: Sunny Le

The City of Elk Grove commissioned a Diversity Audit of City government in 2018. Additionally, you can read more about it here. In short, an Inclusion Strategy was created. The strategy was a roadmap designed to help the city establish itself as a national leader in diversity and inclusion.

MLK 2019 Legacy: Seeding The Next Generation

Additionally, the “MLK 2019 Legacy: Seeding The Next Generation” Community Breakfast was held on January 19 at the Laguna Town Hall. At this event held by the Cosumnes CSD and attended by City Council Members and community leaders,, the breakfast included speakers, entertainment, and food for the community.

Photo Credit: Sunny Le