Across California, CDCR recruiters honored the memory of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
The celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day is a tribute to the enduring legacy of a visionary leader who championed civil rights and equality. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and the collective responsibility to uphold the values of compassion, unity, and social progress.
CDCR staff took part in various events and marches held across the state.
California State Prison, Corcoran, and Pleasant Valley State Prison teams attended the 40th Unity March in downtown Fresno. They were joined by Fresno Police Department; California Highway Patrol; and hundreds of community members as support for the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center team participated in the Martin Luther King 365 March at Sacramento City College along with several thousand other participants. They were joined by Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, as well as City Council members.
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility’s team joined San Diego’s 42nd annual MLK Jr. Parade along Harbor Drive. The event hosted floats, bands, and diverse groups to foster understanding and collaboration.
“The interaction with participants, leaders, and a diverse community made these successful marches that would make MLK proud,” said D. Hunter, a recruiter with CSP-Corcoran.
At UC Merced, Lt. M.D. Williams spoke to college students and staff. (Read the full story.)
Ten facts about Martin Luther King Jr.
- This year MLK Day was observed on his birthday, Jan. 15. Each year, the day is observed on the third Monday of January.
- King entered college when he was 15 years old.
- The holiday was signed into law in 1983, but all 50 states didn’t officially observe it until 2000.
- King and George Washington are the only two Americans to have a national holiday dedicated in their honor.
- The “I Have a Dream” speech was partially improvised, and that iconic phrase was left out of the original written speech.
- The MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C., opened to the public in 2011.
- Many schools and organizations use MLK Day as an opportunity to educate about civil rights and promote diversity and equality.
- The day is not only celebrated in the United States but also in Japan and Canada.
- King was initially named Michael King, Jr. His father, inspired by religious reformer Martin Luther, changed his name as well as that of his 5-year-old son to Martin Luther King.
- King won the Nobel Peace Prize in October 1964. He was notified over the phone while in bed recovering from exhaustion.
By Todd Javernick, Information Officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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