Long Beach Shares Event Details for 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration
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Above: Participants parade down Martin Luther King Jr Avenue during the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration.

Long Beach, CA – Today the City of Long Beach announced details for its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration taking place Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. The annual event serves to honor and keep alive the many values of Dr. King through arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives, which has become a longstanding tradition that also celebrates the diverse community of Central Long Beach.

Parade Information & Grand Marshals
The 2026 festivities will begin with the parade kickoff at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. View a map of the parade route here. The City proudly presents the following Grand Marshals who will lead the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade:
  • Youth Recognition: Bruce Brown for more than 31 years has exemplified civic engagement and public service through his unwavering dedication to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and the Long Beach community. As a Recreation Specialist within the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) and trusted community leader, he has served as a vital bridge between the park, local families and surrounding neighborhoods. Through mentorship, coaching and relationship building, Bruce has guided generations of youth, reduced negative influences and fostered trust across all ages. His leadership has shaped both lives and careers, mentoring PRM staff who have gone on to leadership roles, and transforming the park into a cornerstone of safety, belonging, and community pride.
  • Philanthropy: Tito Rodriguez is the founder of the Local Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to serving low-income communities throughout Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area. Known affectionately as "Hood Santa," he has become a symbol of generosity, hope and compassion for countless families. Through his foundation, Tito has provided thousands of children and families with gifts, clothing and food, especially during the holiday season. His work goes beyond charity, building trust and joy in communities that are often overlooked and reminding people of the power of kindness and collective support.
  • Arts, Sports and Culture: Kimberly Benoit is a community leader, event producer and creative visionary who has dedicated her work to bringing people together through culture, music and meaningful community experiences. She developed a deep appreciation for the arts and community connection at an early age. With a strong passion for organizing and storytelling, Kimberly joined her father, Al Williams, in 1992 and became his partner at Rainbow Promotions LLC. She worked at his side to help develop other projects including Long Beach Carnaval and the annual Long Beach Jazz Festival. As President of Rainbow Promotions, Kimberly has conceptualized, produced and managed a wide range of community events, blending entertainment with purpose and creating spaces that are vibrant and impactful. A dedicated mother, Kimberly considers Christen and Blair to be her most important achievements and works in progress.
  • Civic Engagement and Service: Erroll Parker's life and work embody the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a lifelong commitment to justice, service, and civic engagement. From his early years at California State University, Long Beach, he demonstrated a passion for advocacy and ensuring that community voices were heard during times of social change. During a 30 year career with the Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation, Parker worked to ensure public spaces were welcoming for all, while also dedicating decades to coaching, mentoring youth, founding a summer camp, co-founding the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach, and supporting faith based and educational initiatives. His tireless service, leadership, and compassion have left an indelible mark on Long Beach, inspiring generations and reflecting the very values Dr. King championed.
  • Social Justice Advocacy: Commissioner Robbie N. Butler is a dynamic leader, author and entrepreneur who is deeply committed to empowering underserved and underrepresented communities. As CEO of Speak Up Enterprises and President of the Speak Up Empowerment Foundation, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals, especially single mothers, achieve success and self-sufficiency. She currently serves as a City of Long Beach Equity and Human Relations Commissioner and is a founding member of the Black Health Equity Collaborative Long Beach. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Butler continues to lead through advocacy, education and service, using her voice and platform to uplift communities and create pathways to opportunity.
  • Community Achievement: The SIX LB is an exemplary grassroots organization whose high impact work has strengthened the fabric of Central Long Beach through consistent service, advocacy, and community building. Their mission reflects a deep commitment to uplifting families, youth and vulnerable residents while addressing critical needs related to health, safety and economic stability. Through educational workshops, family centered community events, health and wellness programming, hospital partnerships and large-scale holiday food distributions, The SIX LB has touched hundreds of families each year. Beyond direct service, they are strong advocates for violence prevention, neighborhood safety and equitable infrastructure investment, embodying the spirit of community leadership and collective care that defines Council District 6.
  • Darick J. Simpson is a respected community leader and nonprofit executive in Long Beach currently serving as President of the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation. Since 2019, Simpson has led the Miller Foundation in committing more than $6 million to organizations that support the health and wellbeing of Long Beach children. With nearly 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he is also known for his creative work as an author and producer, blending leadership with storytelling and community impact. Previously, as Executive Director of the Long Beach Community Action Partnership for 13 years, he expanded the organization dramatically in both staff and budget. He also co-created PADNET.tv, restoring public access television to Long Beach, and currently serves as board president of the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach.
  • Mariko Kahn is a visionary leader and trailblazer in advancing mental health equity for Asian Pacific Islander communities. Her work has transformed access to culturally responsive mental health care through innovative programs such as Mindful Parenting and specialized treatment for frontline responders and refugee populations. For 16 years, Kahn served as Executive Director of Pacific Asian Counseling Services, establishing it as a leading provider under the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. She played a key role in shaping countywide mental health policy through the Mental Health Services Act while also championing programs that address intergenerational trauma, stigma and domestic violence. In Long Beach, her impact includes expanding access for Cambodians, preserving oral histories, integrating arts and healing and strengthening community clinics, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and inclusion.
  • Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga serves as Long Beach Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember, representing Wrigley and West Long Beach with a strong focus on community and economic investment. A key leader behind the Westside Promise, he has helped advance resources to the Westside, including park enhancements and greater access to open space. With prior service on the Long Beach Community College Board of Trustees (2000-2014) and the California Coastal Commission (2015-2025), he remains a steadfast champion for labor, education, environmental justice, and opportunity for all.
  • Honorable Tonia Reyes Uranga is a respected community leader and former Long Beach City Councilmember who proudly represented the Seventh District from 2002-2010. Throughout her career, she has championed equity and opportunity for working families and the most vulnerable. She continues her commitment for social and economic justice today as a board member of LAANE, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, and LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Celebration

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After the conclusion of the parade, the park celebration will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, a kid's zone, food and merchandise vendors, and more. The entertainment lineup is as follows, with emcee Supernatural and intermittent DJ sets by Urban Society Long Beach throughout the day:
  • 12:15 p.m. – Flag Ceremony by Long Beach Polytechnic High School JROTC
  • 12:20 p.m. – Antioch Church will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing"
  • 12:30 to 1 p.m. – Performance by Gravity Dance Company
  • 1 to 1:30 p.m. – Program and announcements
  • 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. – Performance by DeMay
  • 2:30 to 2:45 p.m. – Poem readings by the winners of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Poetry Contest
  • 3 to 3:30 p.m. – Performance by Kristien Owens
  • 4 to 5 p.m. – Performance by Anita Wilson

The 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration is presented by the City of Long Beach and Office of Sixth District Councilwoman Dr. Suely Saro with additional support from: Port of Long Beach, Office of Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga, Office of First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, Office of Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen, Office of Third District Councilwoman Kristina Duggan, Office of Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr, Office of Eighth District Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk, Office of Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie, Long Beach Airport and many more.

For more information, visit longbeach.gov/mlkparade.

Media inquiries may be directed to Tasha Day, Manager, Office of Special Events and Filming, at 562.570.5333 or Tasha.Day@longbeach.gov.

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