El Cerrito Hosting 25th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Rally

City of El Cerrito Press Release

The El Cerrito community will honor Dr. King, share his message and celebrate his life on Monday, January 20, 2014 with a parade and rally. This year marks the twenty-fifth consecutive annual celebration in El Cerrito of the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The events are free and all ages are welcome. Patricia Durham, event coordinator, announced this year’s program will be dedicated to Nelson Mandela.  “Our theme is “Keeping The Dream Alive.”  Dr. King and Nelson Mandela had the dream so that we have a better life living the dream. We want to inspire community members to remember, celebrate, and  act in honor of these two great men.”

Individuals and groups are invited to join the parade on Monday morning. After the parade, there will be a rally including entertainment.   The program expected to last approximately one hour.

Community members who wish to march in the parade should meet at 9:00 a.m. at the El Cerrito D.M.V., 6400 Manila Avenue, El Cerrito.  The parade will leave the D.M.V. parking lot promptly at 9:30 a.m.  led by the El Cerrito High School Marching Band, and proceed along San Pablo Avenue, up Moeser Lane to Ashbury Avenue and arrive at El Cerrito High School by approximately 10:15 a.m.

The rally will begin at 10:30 a.m. inside the Performing Arts Center at El Cerrito High School, 540 Ashbury Avenue, El Cerrito.  The Theater will open at 10:00 a.m. to the public.

The keynote  speaker is Michael Parker, CEO and Founder of  Value-Centered Solutions, Inc.   A world-renowned Entrepreneur, Mr. Parker was born and raised in Richmond, California. He is.  He is a visionary and motivator of change for the better.  He has transformed the way others have traditionally looked at business and life. He received his Master of Business Education at University of California, Hayward.