HAPPY MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr DAY! The Chosen Gospel Recovery Singers perform during the 35th Annual Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at SGI-USA World Peace Ikeda Auditorium, Monday, January 20, 2020.
The free event, one of the largest and most diverse celebrations of its kind in Southern California, was presentedd by The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition, a nonprofit coalition whose mission is consistent with King's legacy. Event sponsors include the City of Santa Monica, SGI-USA, Santa Monica College Associates, Santa Monica College, RAND Corporation, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council, CityTV-Santa Monica, and a variety of other organizations, individuals, and corporate contributors.
This year’s celebration marks the event’s 35th anniversary and embraces the theme “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.” The multi-ethnic, interfaith program included inspirational readings, speakers, music, and dance. The program also featured the presentation of education awards to local students and a Community Light Award to Ruby’s House 1-6 of Chosen Gospel Recovery Inc., offering collaborative services and support to promote the wellbeing and economic self-sufficiency of chronically homeless families and individuals.