Community gathers in Sacramento to honor MLK in ‘March for the Dream’ event – The Connection

The Sacramento community came together to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day by joining MLK365’s “March for the Dream,” which started at Sacramento City College on Jan. 19. Before the march, educator and host Cline Moore (left) introduced singer/songwriter Vadia Rhodes (right) who sang the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” (Kadreanna Walker)
While Sacramento’s mayor Kevin McCarty spoke about unity and thanked the crowd for showing up for the community, there were some shouts and signs held up from people who wanted to acknowledge Palestine’s ongoing struggles. (Kadreanna Walker)
Many participants wore clothing that shared messages connected to Martin Luther King Jr. and injustice. One participant wore a hoodie titled “I’m not average” at the top and “My future is not just a dream” down the side. (Kadreanna Walker)
Participants gathered early in the morning at Sacramento City College for the MLK365 “March for the Dream” event. The crowd listens to the various guest speakers as they wait for the march to begin. (Kadreanna Walker)
The march began as thousands of community members walked from Sacramento City College towards the Capitol. MLK365 encouraged participants to talk to someone new who may have a different background and connect. (Kadreanna Walker)
The organizers provided leads to direct the march and show participants the path through the morning fog.
(Kadreanna Walker)
Many local organizations joined the walk and showed support. One organization was the Indian Association of Sacramento who held a banner of their information as well as holding signs featuring Martin Luther King Jr. and Indian freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi. (Kadreanna Walker)
Father holds his daughter on his shoulders through the entire march. (Kadreanna Walker)
Father leads daughters through the streets of Sacramento as they participate in a march on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (Kadreanna Walker)
Community members marched through Sacramento together, some holding handmade signs. One sign says “Immigrant rights are civil rights.” (Kadreanna Walker)
One marcher held a handmade sign that said “Take care of the earth. Take care of each other.”
(Kadreanna Walker)
One participant wore a sweater that said “Union strong.” (Kadreanna Walker)
Though many people chose not to walk, they did show their support along the way by standing on the sidelines with signs. One group held a sign that said “What would MLK do?” (Kadreanna Walker)
Mira Loma High School students assisted Dyer Kelly Elementary students during the march as the students carried homemade signs. One elementary student held a sign that said “‘I have a dream’ Dr. Martin Luther King.” (Kadreanna Walker)
One participant wore a hoodie that said “In a world where you can be anything, be kind!” (Kadreanna Walker)
As the marchers reached their destination at the Safe Credit Union, they were greeted with many congratulating them for marching and holding up signs. One group held signs that said “I miss you Sleepy Joe” and “Families belong together.” (Kadreanna Walker)
The march reached the end as participants rounded the corner of the Safe Credit Union. One woman held up a sign saying “Speak up for ICE victims” as she reached the awaiting welcome party. (Kadreanna Walker)
Marchers reached the finish line, having completed the nearly five-mile walk from Sacramento City College, passed the Capitol building and ended at the Safe Credit Union building. They held the American flag and a sign that said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (Kadreanna Walker)