Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally in Oakland

Oakland, CA – Oakland’s longest continuing celebration of the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will feature a multicultural rally Monday, January 19, 10:00 am until noon (doors open at 9:30 am) at the ILWU Hall, 99 Hegenberger Road near the Oakland Airport. This will be a special celebration in honor of the 80th anniversary of Dr. King’s birth with guest speakers, performers, and musicians.

Key speakers will be Hon. Keith Carson, Alameda County Supervisor, and Rev. Byron Williams, Oakland Tribune columnist and pastor. Portions of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech will be delivered by Jacar Reese.
Another highlight of the program will feature the Medicine Warriors Native American Traditional Dancers with the All Nations Drum. Special music will be provided by the East Oakland Senior Center Choir.
The annual Betita Coty award will be presented to Genary Marie Markham, a youth member of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center.

Representatives of the Alameda Central Labor Council and the ILWU Warehouse Union Local 6 will deliver greetings.
This year marks the 18th anniversary of this event. The rally’s founder, Ira Jinkins, now living in Detroit, is sending a letter of greeting to be read at the event.
Presiding will be Rev. Martha Taylor of the Allen Temple Baptist Church and Rev. Doug Siden, board member of the East Bay Regional Park District.  This free event is open to the public, and all are welcome. Call 510-632-1670 for more information.