• We, members of the Black community in Long Beach, write to express our collective outrage at the blatant disregard for Black culture and legacy. The 2025 planning process of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration lacked integrity, honesty, and transparency.

Black people immigrated to Long Beach before its incorporation in 1897 and have been integral to its growth and development. We have worked tirelessly to address and remedy historical racial inequities from which other races and ethnic groups have greatly benefitted. Black individuals who are committed to Long Beach and the advancement of the Black communityshould be honored and celebrated as they embody the movement started by Dr. King. 

The decision to select the majority of non-Black Grand Marshals is a direct affront to the Black residents of this city. Historically, there has been a focus on event sponsorship predicated on the support of an elected official. It is a glaring reminder of the persistent anti-blackness that undermines spaces intended to celebrate and honor our contributions.

The goal of the MLK Jr. Parade is to honor the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for Black civil rights – and a collective experience of Black life across the city. This event should serve as a platform to uplift and center Black voices, celebrate Black culture, and recognize leaders who embody Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of Black people. Instead, the choice of Grand Marshals this year starkly deviates from that mission. It is both insulting and profoundly disrespectful to witness this parade, a symbol of our struggle and triumph, being co-opted and stripped of its intended purpose.

Other cultural celebrations in Long Beach—like the Cambodian New Year Parade, Long Beach Sankranta, or the Dia de los Muertos parade—uplift their respective cultures with care and intention, while Black culture is repeatedly erased in an event meant to honor one of our greatest leaders. This kind of disregard sends a damaging message: Black people in Long Beach are insignificant and intentionally overlooked. Our history and culture can be sidelined. Most importantly, our youth don’t deserve to see themselves represented in the spaces meant to celebrate them.

Dr. King’s legacy deserves better. Our community deserves better. The children of Long Beach deserve better. Year after year, the parade has strayed further from its roots, and this year’s choice of Grand Marshals feels like yet another deliberate effort to erase Black contributions and silence Black voices. This is not what Dr. King fought for, and it’s certainly not what our community will stand for.

We demand that you rectify this in the following ways:

• The City of Long Beach publicly acknowledges the harm caused by this decision on the same media platforms used to promote the parade and celebration and one printed publication.
• This should occur by the next City Council meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025.
• We expect to meet with the 6th District Council member within 30 calendar days from the date of the MLK Parade and Celebration to discuss the results in further detail.
• The transfer of the 2026 responsibilities regarding the managing, planning, and execution of the parade and celebration. This will require shifting from the 6th District Council office to a viable Black nonprofit. The Black community in Long Beach will select the nonprofit via a community survey. The community includes businesses, nonprofits, and faith leaders of the City of Long Beach. This will ensure the parade truly honors Dr. King’s legacy and reflects the richness of Black culture.
• The continued support and sponsorship from the Mayor and City Council.

These efforts will ensure that future Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations and parades will prioritize Black representation in every aspect of planning and execution, particularly in roles of leadership. 

Anything less is unacceptable. We are angry and tired of being disrespected in spaces that should belong to us. The parade is not just a parade—it’s a statement about who and what this city values. It’s time for you to show that you value us.

We will not remain silent on this. We will not be disrespected, treated with indifference, or erased. This is our city, our history, and our legacy.