Sacramento residents returned to the streets Jan. 19 for the city’s annual celebration and remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The MLK 365 March for the Dream, Sacramento’s longest-running MLK march, began in the historically Black neighborhood of Oak Park at the Oak Park Community Center.
Sam Starks, founder of MLK 365 and organizer of the annual March for the Dream, stands inside the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center as the march returns to the venue for its Diversity Expo after a seven-year hiatus. Douglas Carter, OBSERVER
Now in its 44th year, the MLK 365 March for the Dream, Sacramento’s longest-running MLK march, is the city’s largest MLK Day event and has become a cornerstone of its annual observance. Community leaders and residents made the traditional walk from Oak Park toward Sacramento City College, where the main program took place.
Marchers of all ages and backgrounds filled the route, echoing Dr. King’s message of unity, justice and collective action. Families pushed strollers, elders carried signs bearing King’s words, and students marched alongside longtime activists. Many reflected on the continued relevance of King’s vision amid today’s social and political climate, emphasizing dialogue, community connection and peaceful resistance in the pursuit of equity.
“The dream is being undermined, and we have to work to fight that. We have to preserve that,” said Sam Starks, the MLK 365 founder who has organized the event for decades. Starks emphasized that honoring Dr. King’s legacy must extend beyond a single holiday.
Kevin Carter, co-founder of the Sacramento Poor People’s Campaign, leads the Martin Luther King Jr. March for the Dream from Oak Park Community Center on Jan. 19, 2026. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
That belief has shaped the organization’s broader mission. MLK 365 is shifting its focus from a one-day march to a year-round initiative known as Campaign365, aimed at turning a day of inspiration into year-round action.
“The march is an exercise,” said Michael Blair, a member of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, which played a key role in planning the event. “But once we finish, we need to actually put everything into practice and talk about the action.”
Campaign365 supports year-round programming, including the March for the Dream, the Diversity Expo and 365 microprojects designed to uplift communities and advance Dr. King’s principles throughout the year. Organizers say the initiative encourages individuals and organizations to commit to consistent civic engagement rather than symbolic participation.
Elton Mitchell, center, along with Faith Mitchell, Ayanda Niyde and others in Celebration Arts’ Kids Time program, perform excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches during the 44th annual MLK 365 March for the Dream Diversity Expo at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Douglas Carter, OBSERVER
Michael Blair stands in front of a re-created bus simulating Rosa Parks’ experience that set the stage for the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the 44th annual MLK 365 March for the Dream Diversity Expo held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. Douglas Carter, OBSERVER
Marchers hold signs honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they walk through Sacramento during the annual MLK 365 March for the Dream on Jan. 19. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
Lisa Morris holds a sign bearing the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have a Dream,” at Sacramento City College as she prepares to march to the Sacramento Convention Center for the annual March for the Dream on Jan. 19, 2026. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER.
Mayor Kevin McCarty speaks to the crowd at Sacramento City College before marching to the Sacramento Convention Center for the annual March for the Dream honoring Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 19, 2026. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
This year’s march followed a 6.2-mile route and returned to the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center after a seven-year hiatus. Inside, the Diversity Expo featured dozens of vendors, community organizations and performances. Programming included choirs, dancers and theatrical presentations led by children from Celebration Arts’ Kids Time program. Attendees also explored interactive exhibits, including a re-created bus simulating Rosa Parks’ experience that set the stage for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, alongside resources focused on health, education, employment and civic engagement.
For many, the day symbolized renewed momentum not just for the march, but for sustained action beyond it as the organizers envision.
“Find out what you’re interested in and commit to doing one project,” Starks said. “Support an organization doing great work. Get involved. Commit yourself to doing one thing, 365 days a year.”
Related