Singers, poets and speakers performed at the garlanding ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community leaders placed a wreath and laid flowers around the memorial statue at Courthouse Park in downtown Fresno on Friday afternoon. It's the first of several planned events in Fresno and Clovis this weekend to honor the life and accomplishments of a man who stood up to social injustices. The Fresno chapter president of the N.A.A.C.P. says events this the garlanding ceremony raise awareness.
"It keep the fight going, it keeps folks aware that we still have a lot of work to do," said Pamela Young King.
Some of the local men and women working toward change now are being recognized at a ceremony Friday night.
"People who have contributed to Martin Luther King's dream, and one of those is a world-renowned architect, Arthur Dyson, said Gail Gaston of the MLK Unity Committee.
A parade in downtown Fresno and Commemoration Program round out a weekend of MLK celebrations. Fresno City Councilman Oliver Baines is proud of how Dr. King is honored locally, but says it's not enough.
"What the real test is for Fresno, and every city that chooses to remember the life of Dr. King, is what do they do after they celebrate the birthday?" said Baines.
All of the events are open to the public.
1. Saturday - MLK Jr. breakfast at Clovis Veterans Memorial Building Hughes and 5th, 9am
2. Saturday - All Faith service at Community Gym at California and Elm Street, 1825 E California, 4-6pm
3. Sunday - Candlelight vigil at 723 W Clinton, 5:30pm
4. March from St. John's to Fresno City Hall, 10am
5. Commemoration Program (Mistress of Ceremony is Zara Arboleda) Fresno Veteran's Memorial Hall, 11:30am