Crowds Came out in South Central Los Angeles to Celebrate Martin Luther King’s Birthday
On January 15th, crowds gathered in South Central Los Angeles for the 39th Annual Kingdom Day Parade —a day of joy and celebration for the entire community. One of the largest celebrations in the nation, the theme for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration resonated with determination: “Can’t stop, won’t stop going to the promised land.”
The VIP Pre-Parade Breakfast, hosted by BMO Stadium, and emceed by ABC7 Ashley Mackey welcomed Kingdom Day Parade Breakfast Sponsors and VIP Guests and Parade Organizers, Dr. Adrian Dove, Chairman of the Kingdom Parade, and Vice President Sabra Waddly including the premiere presenting sponsor Blue Shield. Among the distinguished attendees were Los Angeles Mayor, the Honorable Karen Bass, 2024 Kingdom Day Parade Grand Marshal Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and prominent politicians and city officials from Los Angeles. Notable VIPs included chart-topping artist Roycel Cooks of Zupa Nova Duo, Emmy Award-winning actor Kim Estes, orthodontist Dr. Bobbi Peterson, and actor Rico Anderson.
Disneyland Resort added a touch of magic to the festivities. Princess Tiana, the beloved Disney character from “The Princess and the Frog” was named the honorary grand marshal of the 39th Annual Kingdom Day Parade and captivated audiences of all ages throughout the parade route.
The participation of Disneyland Resort not only brought magic but also emphasized the universal appeal and cultural impact of the Disney brand. It showcased the parade’s capacity to unite diverse communities globally, reflecting the spirit of inclusivity and shared values championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
During the event, Mayor Bass presented a certificate of recognition to CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) for hosting the 39th Annual Kingdom Day Parade. Dr. Adrian Dove, Chairman of the Kingdom Parade and Chairman of CORE was at the forefront of the festivities.
Dr. Adrian Dove highlighted the distinctive features of this parade, including the selection of both a pageant King and Queen. The most exciting addition was the incorporation of a processional passion play during the parade, spotlighting the birth of the movement ignited by Rosa Parks, Dr. King’s monumental speech, and his tragic assassination. With the passion play, Dr. Dove aimed to inspire others, especially the youth, to honor Dr. King’s legacy and contribute to their communities and the country.
ABC7, a longstanding broadcast partner in the Kingdom Day Parade, exclusively covered the event. The live broadcast provided comprehensive coverage, capturing the vibrancy, diversity, and significance of the parade to local and national audiences. To watch the full parade visit:
For more information about the Kingdom Day Parade visit-kingdompayparade.org
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