With the arrival of January comes the 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. March. Starting at the Los Banos City Hall at 10 a.m. on Jan. 19, the march will follow its usual route to Bethel Community Church for a themed service presented by keynote speakers from around the community.
This year, the march is being led and planned by staff and volunteers from Bethel Community, New Beginnings and the First Baptist Churches.
Supporting groups like the American Legion and various clubs from Pacheco High School and Los Banos High School will also be lending volunteers to help the event run smoothly.
The march will start with a few words from city officials, as the mayor and city council members will present King’s proclamation for equality and reiterate why the march is such an important tradition.
From there, the procession will follow its usual route to Bethel Community, where the full service will begin.
This year’s march and church ceremony will embody King’s famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, with the mayor’s opening remarks highlighting the importance of uniting against injustice.
The closing service will include the most powerful excerpts from one of King’s most important orations. The event at Bethel Community this year will also include various worship songs and sermons from members of both the New Beginnings and First Baptist churches.
Each church will have its own representatives leading various services one after the other, with each organization adding its own ideas and experiences.
Bethel Community’s own Pastor Stephen Hammond will be one of the keynote speakers for its services and will be one of the first voices to kick off the service at the end of the march.
Starbucks coffee will be provided at the church ceremonies to reward marchers after their walk through the morning wind and will be available throughout the services to keep folks warm and awake.
