Residents from all walks of life gathered at the Merced County Fairgrounds on Monday morning and proceeded to walk toward the Merced Theatre, all the way up Martin Luther King Jr. Way, to celebrate the street’s namesake, and his message of unity and equality, on his national holiday.
The Peace and Unity March in Merced on MLK Jr. Day is a tradition that goes back more than a quarter century — thanks to many dedicated community members who have lifted their voices, and continue to lift their voices.
“If we forget what Dr. King stood for, then his life was in vain,” Pastor Sam Emory told those who joined the celebration after the march. “If we forget his sacrifice, then all of our slogans are worthless. If we don’t hear what he said, and inject it, and let it become a part of who we are today, then Dr. King died in vain. …
“I’m not willing to happen on my watch.
“At some point you have to understand that Dr. King became greater than the time that he was in. And so that has done one thing for you and I. It has paved the way for us to become greater than the times that we are in. You don’t have to be a slave of time. You can overcome. … We shall overcome some day. And the only thing I have to overcome is myself. If I can overcome myself, I have overcame the world. If I can get out of my own self, and see around me the things that need to happen — not to just make my life better, but to make life better for my children. …”
This year, the festivities were perhaps not as well attended due to the recent Omicron surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it was better than being canceled like the event was last year. The local MLK Jr. Committee did a wonderful job of helping to provide numerous activities that spanned the entire weekend.
Here’s a photo gallery of all the happenings:
Local residents march toward downtown Merced during the 25th annual Peace and Unity March to honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.
Mary Jacklitsch-Koehn shows off her children’s book signed by actress/writer Karyn Parsons as part of the MLK Kids Day at the Boys & Girls Club.
Natalie Moreno, 7, receives a covid vaccination as her parents comfort her during the clinic held at the Boys & Girls Club during the MLK celebration.
State Assemblyman Adam Gray (at center) stands for a photo with members of the Merced County Sheriff Explorers and color guard.
Members of the United Domestic Workers union raise their fists along with State Senator Anna Caballero, at left of center.
Movers and Shakers on MLK Jr. Day: including, County Supervisor Josh Pedrozo, former City Councilman Michael Belluomini, Assemblyman Adam Gray, Jerome Rasberry, Senator Anna Caballero, MLK committee Joyce Dale, Tamara Cobb, District Attorney Kimberly Lewis, and Merced County Trustee John Pedrozo.
Police Chief Tom Cavallero shakes hands with Walter Smith.
Supporters of the Merced County Democratic Central Committee found a ride on the Sheriff’s rescue boat.
Vaquero Arturo Barajas rides with his companeros past the historic Merced Theatre.
Community leaders could be seen walking in the Peace and Unity March, including Superintendent of Schools Steve Tietjen, County Supervisor Josh Pedrozo, Merced College President Chris Vitelli, Merced College Board Trustee John Pedrozo.
Dr. Wanda Patrick hands out children’s books during Kids Day at the Boys & Girls Club.
Eugene Drummond offers some inspiring words while serving as the Master of Ceremony.
Grand Marshal Sam Emory speaks to the audience at the Merced Theatre during the MLK Jr. celebration.
City School Trustee Allen Brooks received the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award for his work to bring positive change to Merced.
UC Merced grad DeVonyo Bills was the keynote speaker during the MLK Jr. celebration at the Merced Theatre.
Sue Bangon Emanivong received a Community Service Award for her work to bring positive change to Merced.
State Assemblyman Adam Gray (at center) stands for a photo with members of the Merced County Sheriff Explorers and color guard.
