Community Leaders Unite for 30th Annual MLK Walk-A-Thon
Leaders from sa国际传媒官网网页入口 (MVC), Riverside Community sa国际传媒官网网页入口 District (RCCD), and the broader Inland Empire community gathered on Monday, January 20, for the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon, an event celebrating unity, service, and the civil rights leader's enduring legacy.
Among the participants were MVC Interim President FeRita Carter, Ph.D., Foundation Development Officer Marie Thermidor, and RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D. They joined local elected officials, civic leaders, and community members in the walk, which started at the Stratton Community Center and concluded at the Riverside Public Library. The event, organized by the Riverside African American Historical Society, has been a cornerstone of the city鈥檚 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations for three decades.
鈥淭he annual walk-a-thon is a meaningful way to engage with the community and honor Dr. King鈥檚 legacy,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淗e championed service, connection, and equity, and this event embodies those values by bringing people together in a shared commitment to progress.鈥�
The MLK holiday has evolved into a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to give back to their communities. This year鈥檚 walk-a-thon continued that tradition, with proceeds supporting the Civil Rights Institute, funding scholarships, and maintaining the Martin Luther King Jr. statue in downtown Riverside.
鈥淲alking side by side with students, great non-profits, and residents reminds us of the importance of staying engaged with the communities we serve,鈥� Thermidor said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to honor Dr. King鈥檚 legacy by actively participating in events that foster unity and opportunity. What made it more special is I got to do it with my sons.鈥�
Approximately 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds and organizations participated in the event. The walk symbolized togetherness, as people from all walks of life came together to support a common cause, reinforcing the ideals of unity and collective progress.
Local leaders, including United States Representative Mark Takano, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, and Councilmember Philip Falcone, also addressed attendees, reflecting on King鈥檚 impact and the ongoing pursuit of social justice.
As the walk concluded in downtown Riverside, participants expressed their commitment to carrying King鈥檚 message forward鈥攏ot just on MLK Day but throughout the year.