{"id":153839,"date":"2026-01-28T20:59:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:59:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/153839\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T20:59:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:59:37","slug":"mlk-365-march-urges-year-round-action-through-campaign365","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/153839\/","title":{"rendered":"MLK 365 March Urges Year-Round Action Through Campaign365"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sacramento residents returned to the streets Jan. 19 for the city\u2019s annual celebration and remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<\/p>\n

The MLK 365 March for the Dream, Sacramento\u2019s longest-running MLK march, began in the historically Black neighborhood of Oak Park at the Oak Park Community Center.<\/p>\n

\"SamSam 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<\/p>\n

Now in its 44th year, the MLK 365 March for the Dream, Sacramento\u2019s longest-running MLK march, is the city\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Marchers of all ages and backgrounds filled the route, echoing Dr. King\u2019s message of unity, justice and collective action. Families pushed strollers, elders carried signs bearing King\u2019s words, and students marched alongside longtime activists. Many reflected on the continued relevance of King\u2019s vision amid today\u2019s social and political climate, emphasizing dialogue, community connection and peaceful resistance in the pursuit of equity.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dream is being undermined, and we have to work to fight that. We have to preserve that,\u201d said Sam Starks, the MLK 365 founder who has organized the event for decades. Starks emphasized that honoring Dr. King\u2019s legacy must extend beyond a single holiday.<\/p>\n

\"KevinKevin Carter, co-founder of the Sacramento Poor People\u2019s Campaign, leads the Martin Luther King Jr. March for the Dream from Oak Park Community Center on Jan. 19, 2026. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER<\/p>\n

That belief has shaped the organization\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe march is an exercise,\u201d said Michael Blair, a member of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, which played a key role in planning the event. \u201cBut once we finish, we need to actually put everything into practice and talk about the action.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s principles throughout the year. Organizers say the initiative encourages individuals and organizations to commit to consistent civic engagement rather than symbolic participation.<\/p>\n

\"\"Elton Mitchell, center, along with Faith Mitchell, Ayanda Niyde and others in Celebration Arts\u2019 Kids Time program, perform excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s 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\u2019 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., \u201cI Have a Dream,\u201d 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<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s 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\u2019 Kids Time program. Attendees also explored interactive exhibits, including a re-created bus simulating Rosa Parks\u2019 experience that set the stage for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, alongside resources focused on health, education, employment and civic engagement.<\/p>\n

For many, the day symbolized renewed momentum not just for the march, but for sustained action beyond it as the organizers envision.<\/p>\n

\u201cFind out what you\u2019re interested in and commit to doing one project,\u201d Starks said. \u201cSupport an organization doing great work. Get involved. Commit yourself to doing one thing, 365 days a year.\u201d<\/p>\n

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