By City Manager Ken Striplin
Each year, on the third Monday in January, the City of Santa Clarita, along with the rest of the United States, comes together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a visionary leader whose tireless efforts to combat racial injustice and inequality left an indelible mark on the nation.
Dr. King once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches on January 20, let us remember that this is a call to action, reflection and service to Dr. King’s work.
Here in Santa Clarita, one of the most meaningful ways we honor Dr. King is by participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity Walk. This annual event serves as a time for the community to come together, reflect on Dr. King’s contributions and take part in a collective effort to embrace the values he championed. The annual Unity Walk will begin at 8:00 a.m., on Monday, January 20, at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road) between fields #5 and #6, with the theme Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365. The event will begin with a brief program, led by Mayor Bill Miranda, and will feature guest speakers, musical performances and poetry readings. The morning will conclude with a walk through the park as we pay tribute to Dr. King’s legacy, while sharing the spirit of unity. New this year, participants can choose to walk either 0.6 miles or 1.1 miles. Attendees are asked to bring donations in the form of non-perishable items and toiletries for the SCV Food Pantry, Family Promise and Bridge to Home. The Unity Walk is free and open to the public with no advance registration required, providing an opportunity for all members of our community to come together in a shared experience of reflection, inspiration and commitment to Dr. King’s principles.
Following the Unity Walk, keep Dr. King’s legacy going by participating in community service as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day National Day of Service. This nationwide initiative promotes volunteerism and collaboration, and you can make a difference by giving your time to local nonprofits, participating in neighborhood cleanups or supporting organizations that assist the homeless, veterans or single-parent households. Please visit SantaClaritaVolunteers.com to find these opportunities and get involved in making a positive impact in our community. You can also explore other ways to make a meaningful impact through service year-round.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk is more than just a commemorative event—it is a powerful reminder that we are all part of a larger community, and that unity and service are key to making Santa Clarita a better place to live, work and play.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
