“Celebrating MLK Day”
By Nancy Alvord
The Shasta Dems were out in full force to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday on Monday, January 17. This year’s theme was “It Starts with Me”, a celebration of equality that took place from 8a-12p; wrapping up with a march from the MLK Center to the Shasta County courthouse and back. Everyone in attendance agreed that we couldn’t have imagined a better day, weather-wise, with mid-morning temperatures in the mid-to-upper 50s without a cloud in the sky. There was a shuttle bus dropping people off every half hour or so and everyone was in a great mood, obviously enjoying taking part in a positive community activity.
The morning featured music, speakers, a prayer circle, and the Asphalt Cowboys were on hand, serving up one of their trademark pancake breakfasts….always a crowd pleaser. For those who aren’t big fans of pancakes and sausage, the Salvation Army had a food truck parked on the street which offered free donuts and coffee. Let me tell you, this reporter enjoys donuts, so I went back for seconds!
The Shasta Dems were among good company, as there were booths set up by various North State organizations including Shasta County citizens, KKRN Radio, ACLU, Northern California Veterans Home, Hill Country Health and Wellness Center, Hotline for Hope, California Conservation Corps (CCC), Islamic Center, Shasta Genealogy, United Way, Cascade NEA, and “Trust the Vax” which featured a whole lot of literature chock full of scientific facts about the Covid-19 vaccine.
There was something for everyone that day and I’d like to personally thank everyone who came out to help celebrate equality while remembering the good works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. May his dream never fade and may we always strive to do our best to fulfil it.