Community, Events

Save the Date: Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations

January 14, 2020

A black and white drawing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Preparations are under way for two important Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations to mark the life and legacy of the great civil rights and social justice leader.

First, on the morning of Jan. 20, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration and March will take place—this year themed “Love Without Borders.”  The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall Plaza, 777 B Street, with music and speeches, followed by a peaceful procession through downtown.

Later that day, at 4:30 p.m., is the start of Hayward’s 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Celebration at the Reed L. Buffington Visual & Performing Arts Center at Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd.

Performances that evening will include the Mt. Eden High School Choir, the Cherryland Elementary School Drama Club and members of the Chabot College Forensics Team delivering speeches on civil rights and social justice themes.

The Dr. King Birthday Celebration began in Hayward in 1986.  In 1993, the event Planning Committee began honoring individuals who have contributed substantially to keeping Dr. King’s work and spirit alive in Hayward—a tradition that will continue next month.