Join Us for the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk
City Manager Ken Striplin
Join us on Monday, January 15, as we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a time to reflect on and celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy of promoting civil rights through peaceful activism. In Santa Clarita, we are proud to honor his vision with our annual Unity Walk, an event demonstrating our community’s commitment to his ideals.
This annual event will be held at Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, and will commence at 9:00 a.m. The event will kick-off with a brief program focusing on Dr. King’s legacy and contributions to our Nation, all centered around this year’s theme – “It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.” The program will explore how each of us can play a pivotal role in creating a more harmonious and understanding community by delving into the principles of Kingian Nonviolence, a philosophy that Dr. King championed. This theme underscores the idea that real change begins at an individual level, and through studying and practicing Dr. King’s teachings, we can collectively contribute to shifting the cultural climate towards greater peace and equality.
In the true spirit of Dr. King’s call to service, this year’s walk coincides with the National Day of Service. To make a tangible impact in our community, we are integrating a food drive during our event. We encourage you to bring non-perishable food items to donate, which will go a long way in supporting those in need within our community.
Dr. King’s legacy calls on us to carry on the spirit of unity and generosity throughout the year. I hope you can use MLK Day as a starting point to begin engaging in acts of service year-round. By extending our commitment to service beyond a single day, we contribute to building a stronger and more compassionate community.
I also encourage you to give back through volunteer work. Engaging in community service is a great way to promote collaboration and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s lending a helping hand at a local food bank, participating in neighborhood clean-ups or supporting educational initiatives, every act of service contributes to the betterment of the community. A great way to get started is to connect with a local nonprofit that aligns with your beliefs and find out how you can help support them. If you are struggling to find nonprofit opportunities, you can always volunteer through the City’s volunteer program. For more information regarding our volunteer program or to see what opportunities are currently available, please visit SantaClaritaVolunteers.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be a day of reflection and action. The MLK Day Unity Walk and community service provides tangible ways for individuals to honor Dr. King’s legacy. By coming together as a community, we can amplify the impact of our actions and create positive change together.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
