CDCR, CCHCS staff March for the Dream

January 26, 2026

CDCR and CCHCS staff joined the community for the annual March for the Dream to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

CDCR and CCHCS staff joined thousands for the 44th annual MLK365 March for the Dream at Sacramento City College on Monday, Jan. 19.

Department staff from a variety of classifications volunteered to walk, honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The March for the Dream began at the college and made its way through Sacramento.

(Editor’s note: A shorter version of this story appeared in the Jan. 23 Week in Review.)

Staff walk the talk

CDCR staff at the MLK March for the Dream event at Sacramento City College.

For the departmental attendees, the march was more than a commemorative walk. The event was an opportunity to engage in “King talks,” or meaningful conversations aimed at building authentic bridges of understanding across different backgrounds.

“Dr. King’s vision wasn’t just a dream for the future; it was a call to action for the present,” said Danyal Noel, HR Deputy Director. “For us at CDCR, participating in this march is about honoring the humanity in everyone we serve. It reminds us that our work in rehabilitation and human resources is rooted in the fundamental belief that progress is possible when we lead with empathy and integrity.”

As the marchers moved through Sacramento, the sense of connection between the department and the city was palpable.

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) Warden Chance Andes said the event serves as a vital touchstone for the department’s mission.

“Walking through these streets today, you feel the heartbeat of Sacramento,” Andes shared. “This march is a powerful reminder we are part of this community, not separate from it. For law enforcement and correctional leadership, showing up here is about building trust. (It’s also about) ensuring (Dr. King’s) dream is reflected in the way we protect and support our neighbors.”

Staff March for the Dream, honor legacy of service

Department staff joined the community in a walk to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Sacramento, Calif., Jan. 19, 2026.

The significance of the day was particularly resonant for the department’s black officers and staff. They said they viewed the march as a tribute to the past and a commitment to the profession’s future.

Acting Parole Administrator Maurice Blount reflected on the personal weight of the celebration.

“As a black officer, this day carries a profound weight. We stand on the shoulders of giants who fought for us to have a seat at the table,” Blount said. “To be here representing the department is to show the next generation they belong in leadership roles. We are here to continue the work of justice from within the system.”

The presence of uniformed departmental staff did not go unnoticed by the public. For many attendees, seeing law enforcement participate in the march signaled a positive shift in community relations.

Department participation is noticed

CDCR and CCHCS staff at Sacramento City College for an MLK memorial walk.

Rachel Fuller, a Sacramento native and longtime march participant, said he appreciates seeing CDCR staff at the event.

“Seeing the officers out here walking with us, not just standing on the sidelines, means a lot,” said Fuller. “It shows they are human beings first and care about the same things we do: justice and community. It makes it easier to have those ‘King talks,’ when you see them putting in the miles alongside you.”

The CDCR group also included Parole District Administrator Michael McCowan and San Quentin Associate Warden Nicole Avila.

For those focused on the future of the department’s workforce, the event highlighted the types of individuals CDCR hopes to attract.

Sgt. Brandon Jones, California Medical Facility (CMF) Recruitment Lead, said the values celebrated during the march are the same as those required for a career in corrections.

“The energy at Sac City College today was incredible,” said Sgt. Jones. “As recruiters, we aren’t just looking for staff; we’re looking for people who carry Dr. King’s values—service, sacrifice, and a commitment to the greater good. Seeing the community come together like this reinforces why we do what we do.”

Submitted by Danny Royster, Peace Officer Recruitment Unit

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