Participants seek unity amid a divisive national political climate
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is seen during the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Wreath Laying Ceremony in Washington, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. As the Bay Area celebrates the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.
Day with marches, concerts and volunteer events, many residents are remembering the civil rights leader’s legacy by working to unite and serve their local communities amid a divisive national political climate. “He served his community, did everything he could to help his people and make sure that everyone was represented equally,” said Brett Matthews, a volunteer at a garden center clean-up Monday near Oakland’s Lake Merritt. “By volunteering and giving our time, we help keep .”In the year since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on MLK Day of 2025, the president has sought to dismantle “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives and directed immigration and law enforcement crackdowns on cities with large Black populations, among other policies that critics see as targeting people of color. Jenifer Azulay, volunteer coordinator for the clean-up at the Marsha J. Corprew Memorial Lakeside Park Garden Center, said community activism and engagement are one way to overcome what she sees as a darkness hanging over the country. “We can go out and fight oppressive systems, and that is important, but we also need to be feeding into ourselves and feeding our community and like building up joy and hope, because otherwise, what’s the point of the whole thing?” Azulay said. “Just as much as we’re working in the garden, the garden is also working on us,” Azulay added. Elsewhere in the Bay Area, a “celebration train” took residents of the South Bay and Peninsula to an MLK Day rally in San Francisco. In Palo Alto, the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center scheduled a day of service. And San Jose State University planned a luncheon with King Day luncheon with guest speakers, including local TV journalist Reyna Harvey.Harriette Cole: The son I didn't know I had is upsetting my householdAsking Eric: I just found out that we were being recorded in their homeAsking Eric: After all these years, I want to confront my sister about what she saidMiss Manners: People should know that it's now impolite to say 'you're welcome'
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
California hands No. 14 North Carolina its second straight loss in Bay Area, 84-78- John Camden scored 20 points and Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen each added 19 as California built a 20-point lead and held off No. 14 North Carolina 84-78 on Saturday.
Read more »
Bay Area to Celebrate Life and Music of a Beloved Figure in Upcoming TributeThe Bay Area will gather this weekend at Civic Center Plaza to celebrate the life and music of a beloved figure. The event will include a procession down Market Street, focusing on gratitude and remembrance. The event celebrates the co-founder of the Grateful Dead and his enduring musical legacy.
Read more »
After ICE killing, Bay Area district attorneys question whether federal agents can be held to accountNumerous challenges await state and county prosecutors if a federal agent is involved in a similar shooting in the Bay Area.
Read more »
After ICE killing, Bay Area district attorneys question whether federal agents can be held to accountNumerous challenges await state and county prosecutors if a federal agent is involved in a similar shooting in the Bay Area.
Read more »
Legendary Bay Area rock act to perform Super Bowl Sunday concert at Levi’sGreen Day will take the stage for an opening ceremony performance on Super Bowl Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Read more »
Bay Area junior college under investigation by Trump administration over transgender athletes’ participation in sportsThe Trump administration “will not tolerate policies that erase women’s rights,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in announcing the investigation, which targets Santa…
Read more »