Honoring the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

CVV News

Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Motherlode Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration – Liberty & Justice for all
Sonora High School Auditorium
1101 East University Avenue
Sonara, CA
The Motherlode Martin Luther King Jr. Committee is hosting its annual celebration of Dr. King’s legacy on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Sonora High School Auditorium. All are invited to attend this free event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring vision of the Beloved Community. The theme of this year’s event is “Liberty and Justice for All”.

The 2026 program will feature a panel of local immigrants who will share their personal stories of coming from across the globe to make the Motherlode home. These voices highlight the vital role immigrants play in shaping the shared story of the Motherlode. Musical guests from Atlanta, Patrick and Linda Minor, will join local legends, Clan Dyken. The 90-minute program will be followed by a reception in the school library.

“At a time when division dominates public discourse, we gather to be reminded that understanding and empathy are essential to justice. Diversity is a source of strength. Community – especially the Beloved Community Dr. King envisioned – is the foundation of a thriving society” says the Motherlode Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. As Dr. King wrote, “Love builds up and unites; hate tears down and destroys… only love can create and organize anything permanent.”

Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Stockton’s Martin Luther King Jr. 2-Day Celebration
Stockton Civic Auditorium
525 N. Center Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Silver Square Lodge No. 66 is proud to participate in Stockton’s Martin Luther King Jr. 2-Day Celebration, alongside our Brothers of Keystone Lodge No. 14, as we stand united in service, fellowship, and community engagement.

Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 5:00
• Vocalists & Choirs
• Stockton Pastors & Community Leaders
• Remarks from Mayor Christina Fugazi
• Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr.

Monday, January 19, 2026
• MLK March Registration: 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
• Unity March: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 AM
(Lineup at Center & Fremont Streets)
• Youth Speaker at MLK Statue
• Youth Program: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. • Music, dancing, raffles, vendors, and snacks Theme: Protecting Our Tomorrow
Freedom • Justice • Peace

We encourage our members, families, and the broader community to come out and support this meaningful celebration honoring the life, legacy, and continued impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Silver Square Lodge No. 66 remains committed to supporting MLK programs this year and in the years ahead, and we look forward to continued collaboration throughout our district.

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program and Community Awards
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
2425 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721
Join us to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions to community diversity and our enriched culture. The program will include the presentation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Awardees (Education Award – Dr. Lisa Mitchell; Civil Service Award – Dr. Peter Robertson; Kimber Community Service Award – Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), music, and a fireside chat with Central USD Superintendent, Dr. Mark Marshall. This year’s host is ABC30’s Jessica Harrington.

Contact: Terri Kimber Edwards (559) 908-0639 or Eric Payne at Eric.paynecmc@gmail.com

Sunday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
MLK Jr. Celebration
Christian Love Church
202 H Street
Modesto, CA

Join us for the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 19 at Christian Love Church.

Following the celebration, all are invited to attend the King–Kennedy Luncheon at the Modesto Senior Center, located at the corner of Scenic Drive and Bodem Street in Modesto.
For more information: (209) 576-1034

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration
Program and Community Awards
Veterans Memorial Auditorium
2425 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Join us to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions to community diversity and our enriched culture. The program will include the presentation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Awardees (Education Award – Dr. Lisa Mitchell; Civil Service Award – Dr. Peter Robertson; Kimber Community Service Award – Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), music, and a fireside chat with Central USD Superintendent, Dr. Mark Marshall. This year’s host is ABC30’s Jessica Harrington.

Contact: Terri Kimber Edwards (559) 908-0639 or Eric Payne at Eric.paynecmc@gmail.com

Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.- 10:45 a.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March
City of Fresno
St. John’s Cathedral
2814 Mariposa Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Marchers will assemble at St. John’s Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. March begins at 10:00 a.m., stops at Fresno City Hall, then proceeds to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at 2425 Fresno Street for the Commemoration Program.

Contact: James Lett III (559) 284- 6420 or Gail Gaston (559) 681-3140.

The 32nd Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

The 32nd Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration will be held on February 7, 2026, at Modesto Junior College (MJC) and will feature keynote speaker Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X.

Ilyasah Shabazz (born July 22, 1962) is an American author, community organizer, social activist, and motivational speaker. She is the third daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz, and wrote a memoir titled Growing Up X.

This event is co-sponsored by Modesto Junior College, the Associated Students of Modesto Junior College, CSU Stanislaus, and community partners.

Free and open to the public, the commemoration honors leaders who uplift marginalized voices and advance the ongoing pursuit