\t\t\t\t\tWhat’s at stake:<\/p>\n
While Dr. King celebrations are taking place nationwide, this year\u2019s events unfold amid federal actions under President Donald Trump targeting diversity, equity and inclusion.<\/p>\n
For Pastor Booker Lewis, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is about more than just a parade \u2014 it is about remembering why people marched in the first place.<\/p>\n
This includes centering Dr. King celebrations around giving back to the community and fostering community engagement, with events led by residents and grassroots leaders with support from some\u00a0 public institutions.<\/p>\n
Lewis, a longtime Fresno pastor at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in southwest Fresno, helps lead a community-run King celebration committee that is entering its third year. The group formed after years of what Lewis described as unsuccessful attempts to engage with the city-sponsored MLK unity committee<\/a>, which he said has become increasingly disconnected from the Black community in Fresno it is meant to represent.<\/p>\n In a recent interview with Fresnoland, Lewis referenced Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer\u2019s longtime \u201cOne Fresno\u201d signature slogan and nonprofit foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cOne Fresno cannot be achieved until you deal with justice,\u201d said Lewis, who is also a community organizer in Fresno. \u201cJustice has to run down like water, righteousness like a mighty stream. You can\u2019t be equitable with me when you are treated better than I am.\u201d<\/p>\n Never miss the top stories in Fresno \u2014 sign up for our free, daily newsletter.<\/p>\n Despite differences between the committees, both are hosting events to honor King\u2019s legacy and messaging, aiming to inspire community members to walk in unity, fight injustice, and create programs that engage and empower younger generations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For many community members, King\u2019s historic visit to Fresno in June 1964<\/a> is a point of pride. The American civil rights icon joined protesters in Fresno opposing a California housing law on the ballot at the time that would have allowed landlords to discriminate against tenants based on race.\u00a0<\/p>\n His visit underscored the fight for fair housing and civil rights, linking the broader civil rights movement to the challenges faced by Black families in Fresno and beyond.<\/p>\n King celebrations this week take place amid federal actions<\/a> under President Donald Trump targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion.<\/p>\n Agencies have stripped and censored information<\/a> on their websites about Black history and the ongoing struggle for equity and equality, including replacing free national park entry on MLK Day and Juneteenth<\/a> with free entry on Trump\u2019s birthday.\u00a0<\/p>\n These actions contradict Trump\u2019s White House reception<\/a> for Black History Month last year. Trump also pledged in an executive order<\/a> to promote \u201cexcellence and innovation\u201d at historically Black colleges. Instead, mass firings have gutted the U.S. Department of Education<\/a> and threatened federal support for Black families<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The chaos has been particularly concerning for Black student loan borrowers, who owe a disproportionate share of the nation\u2019s student debt<\/a> and face greater challenges than their white counterparts in repayment<\/a>.<\/p>\n These and other Trump policies, community members say, conflict with the principles of MLK celebrations.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re still living in the shadow of Dr. King\u2019s dream,\u201d Lewis said. \u201cThe work isn\u2019t finished.\u201d<\/p>\n Community group MLK celebrations\u00a0<\/p>\n The committee draws together a core group of eight organizers and roughly 30 endorsing organizations, including pastors, nonprofit leaders, and longtime advocates.\u00a0<\/p>\n Tiffany Magnum, a committee member, described the group as a \u201ccollaborative of community leaders and partners\u201d focused on justice, equity, and community voices and year-round activism that shape the lives of Fresno residents.<\/p>\n \u201cJustice does not know a color or a race,\u201d Magnum said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t know socioeconomic barriers. It applies to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n That belief guides how the committee structures events, bringing together people from different backgrounds and experiences to elevate voices advocating year-round for housing, education, jobs and other basic rights.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s incredible how relevant these issues are, even today,\u201d Magnum said. \u201cAnd that\u2019s not necessarily a positive thing because it feels like we\u2019ve regressed in many ways and haven\u2019t learned the lessons of the time and season that we had Dr. King here alive with us.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking ahead, Magnum said she hopes the celebrations continue to grow, particularly by creating space for younger generations to engage with King\u2019s legacy in ways that feel meaningful to them.<\/p>\n A divide among committees<\/p>\n Lewis said members of the community-led committee initially tried to work within the city\u2019s existing Dr. King celebration structure. Over several years, he said, they attended meetings, offered recommendations, and attempted to collaborate with the city-sponsored committee on programming and outreach.<\/p>\n Those efforts, Lewis said, were largely unsuccessful.\u00a0<\/p>\n Proposals for greater community involvement were not well received, he said, and procedural rules limited meaningful engagement from grassroots leaders.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lewis said tensions also grew around who held formal seats on the city-sponsored committee. He pointed to institutional representation, including Clovis law enforcement agencies and school districts, taking priority over community leadership. After repeated attempts to find common ground, the group was asked to operate as a subcommittee, an offer they declined.<\/p>\n In response, Eric Payne, a representative of the city-sponsored committee, said the structure intentionally includes institutional partners alongside community voices to coordinate across education, public safety, youth development, and civic systems that impact Black residents.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThese institutions do not replace community representation,\u201d Payne said. \u201cThey are meant to be accountable partners alongside community members. We recognize, however, that lived experience and direct community leadership are essential, and we remain open to strengthening pathways that elevate grassroots voices within the committee\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n Payne acknowledged that procedural processes can feel restrictive, but said the committee\u2019s goal is to balance openness with the operational needs of a large citywide event. He emphasized that faith leaders and community voices remain central to the celebration, and that multiple expressions of honoring Dr. King can coexist.<\/p>\n Elected officials are invited to participate to reflect their role in shaping policies that affect the communities Dr. King worked to uplift, Payne said, stressing that their presence is not intended to overshadow community voices. He also clarified that the proposed subcommittee relationship was offered as a way to coordinate and share resources, not to control the community-led effort.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we may differ on structure or approach, we believe those differences can be addressed through continued dialogue, reflection, and collaboration,\u201d Payne said. \u201cWe welcome those conversations and hope to work together to build mutual understanding and shared purpose in the years ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n How about city-sponsored MLK events?<\/p>\n Edward Thomas, senior pastor of Impact Church in east Fresno, said the annual peace vigil is not just a tribute to Dr. King words, but an effort to put his message into practice. The vigil, he said, is meant to embody King\u2019s call for peace by creating space for the community to speak for itself.<\/p>\n Now in its second year, the vigil invites residents to share personal reflections on unity, racism and healing. Last year\u2019s event was held outside Fresno City Hall, where community members, not just elected officials or faith leaders, were given the microphone.\u00a0<\/p>\n This year, the vigil will take place at Impact Church, following a Sunday service that will culminate in a candlelight gathering.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re in such a divisive time and we\u2019re in a divisive world,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cDr. King always said a movement has to keep moving because there will always be darkness.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomas, who has worked with the unity committee for the past four years, said the goal is for these gatherings to spark action beyond January. He emphasized that King\u2019s legacy was never meant to be confined to a holiday, but carried into daily life, at workplaces, churches and within neighborhoods.<\/p>\n \u201cLove is the greatest force and tool we have,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cWhen you can spread that love, light and unity, those are things that need to be on the forefront, not put on the back burner, not to be forgotten and not to be made to feel like it\u2019s not important.\u201d<\/p>\n This year\u2019s observance will also include a \u201cCountdown to King,\u201d event Thomas launched four years ago to engage younger residents.<\/p>\n By pairing the service, vigil and youth-centered programming, Thomas said the aim is not only to honor King\u2019s legacy, but to challenge the community to live it \u2014 by speaking up against injustice, stepping outside comfort zones and choosing unity in a fractured world.<\/p>\n Gail Gaston has been a part of Fresno\u2019s city-sponsored Dr. King\u2019s celebration committee for 32 years, serving in roles ranging from chair and vice chair to her current position as treasurer.\u00a0<\/p>\n She described the week of events as a mix of education, community engagement, and celebration, designed to honor King\u2019s legacy while bringing people together.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really about sharing with the youth how far we\u2019ve come,\u201d Gaston said. \u201cHolding hands with each other, supporting each other in the community, sharing our goals and being a partner to help people achieve those goals.\u201d<\/p>\n Schedule of MLK events<\/p>\n Friday, Jan. 9, 2026<\/p>\n Jazz Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. King (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: Airs on 90.7 FM (or stream at kfsr.org)<\/p>\n Description: Dr. Robert Mikell pays tribute to Dr. King through commentary and music composed and recorded by jazz artists who supported the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King\u2019s \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech will be played in its entirety.<\/p>\n Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026<\/p>\n Fresno Metro Black Chamber MLK Luncheon(Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 11:30 a.m. \u2013 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: DoubleTree Hotel Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026<\/p>\n West Fresno Ministerial Alliance MLK Breakfast (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 7 \u2013 9 a.m.<\/p>\n Location: Cornerstone Church Pastor and Ministry Leaders Conference (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 12:00 noon<\/p>\n Location: Westside Church of God<\/p>\n Cost: Breakfast $35 \/ Table $280 \/ Luncheon $15<\/p>\n \u201cCelebrating the Faith of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u201d (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Presented by: Fresno City Wide Revival Team<\/p>\n Time: 7 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: St. Rest Baptist Church Friday, Jan. 16, 2026<\/p>\n Garlanding Ceremony (City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 11:45 a.m. \u2013 12:45 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: Courthouse Park \u201cCelebrating the Faith of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u201d (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Presented by: Fresno City Wide Revival Team<\/p>\n Time: 7 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026<\/p>\n Clovis Police Department Community Breakfast (City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 9 \u2013 10:30 a.m.<\/p>\n Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District Tickets: $5 (pre-payment required)<\/p>\n Community Leadership Event hosted by FCC TRIO \/ Upward Bound Program (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 11 a.m. \u2013 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: Fresno City College, Old Administration Building Auditorium Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026<\/p>\n Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Vigil (City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: Impact Church Prayer Walk & Vigil (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 3 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: MLK School<\/p>\n \u201cRev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Explosion\u201d (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 4 p.m.<\/p>\n Hosted by: TBM Ministries & Central Valley Music and Arts Collective<\/p>\n Location: Westside Church of God<\/p>\n Monday, Jan. 19, 2026<\/p>\n Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community March (City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 9:30 a.m. \u2013 10:45 a.m.<\/p>\n Assembly: 9:30 a.m. at St. John\u2019s Cathedral March Route: Begins at 10:00 a.m., stops at Fresno City Hall, and proceeds to Veterans Memorial Auditorium Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Program & Community Awards (City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 11 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Location: Veterans Memorial Auditorium \u201cFrom Non-Violence to Black Power\u201d Panel Discussion (Non-City Committee Event)<\/p>\n Time: 3 p.m.<\/p>\n Sponsored by: Revolutionary MLK Organizing Committee<\/p>\n Location: Free AME Ministries Support our hyperlocal reporting with a donation today. <\/p>\n Every week we bring you deeply reported stories about the essential issues facing our region. Please help us continue our work by becoming a monthly member. <\/p>\n \n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What’s at stake: While Dr. King celebrations are taking place nationwide, this year\u2019s events unfold amid federal actions…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":134664,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[179,6522,112,114,113],"class_list":{"0":"post-134663","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fresno","8":"tag-community","9":"tag-culture","10":"tag-fresno","11":"tag-fresno-headlines","12":"tag-fresno-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134663","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=134663"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134663\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/134664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=134663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=134663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
2233 Cesar Chavez Blvd., Fresno, CA 93721<\/p>\n
1455 Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93721<\/p>\n
1550 E. Rev. Chester Riggins Ave., Fresno, CA 93706<\/p>\n
1100 Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93721<\/p>\n
2529 E. Belmont Ave., Fresno, CA 93701<\/p>\n
808 4th St., Clovis, CA 93612<\/p>\n
1101 E. University Ave., Fresno, CA 93741<\/p>\n
1461 N. Chestnut Ave., Fresno, CA 93703<\/p>\n
2814 Mariposa St., Fresno, CA 93721<\/p>\n
2425 Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93721<\/p>\n
2425 Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93721<\/p>\n
806 Collins Ave., Fresno, CA 93706<\/p>\n