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(1) Continue Discussion of the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration theme; and (2) Approve of the Theme for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
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Meeting Date: November 18, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Troy / ACM Economic Development, Vitality and Equity
Phone Number: (310) 253-6011
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - MLK Celebration and Juneteenth Advisory Committee (11/13/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (11/13/2026)
Department Approval: Tomás Herrera-Mishler, PRCS Director (11/13/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (1) Continue Discussion of the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration theme; and (2) Approve of the Theme for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
BACKGROUND
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee provides input on the planning and development of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Traditionally, the Advisory Committee has considered the national theme established by The King Center, which provides a unifying message for commemorations across the country. For its 2027 King Holiday Observance, The King Center has announced the theme:
"BELOVE. Heal Humanity. Honor Truth. Prioritize Justice. Practice Nonviolence365."
The national theme encourages individuals and communities to embrace love, confront injustice, acknowledge truth, and practice nonviolence as part of their daily lives.
During its previous discussion regarding the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration theme, the Advisory Committee considered various concepts and approaches, including The King Center's national theme and the concept of Sankofa, which emphasizes learning from the past to inform the present and build a better future.
Through discussion, the Advisory Committee reached a consensus on incorporating "BE LOVE" as the foundation for the 2027 celebration theme, with an emphasis on bringing people of different racial and cultural backgrounds together in the spirit of unity, understanding, and shared humanity.
Advisory Committee members were tasked with returning to a subsequent meeting with proposed ideas and wording that build upon "BE LOVE" while capturing the spirit of multiracial unity and togetherness.
Establishing a final theme will help guide event programming, marketing, speaker coordination, educational activities, and community outreach.
DISCUSSION
Staff requests that the Advisory Committee continue its discussion of the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration theme, building upon the consensus reached at the previous meeting to incorporate "BE LOVE" and emphasize multiracial unity and togetherness.
As previously discussed, Advisory Committee members were encouraged to develop and bring forward proposed themes, phrases, or concepts that reflect the shared vision of bringing together individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and community backgrounds.
The discussion provides an opportunity for members to present their ideas, consider the various proposals, and work toward identifying a final theme that reflects Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Community, where individuals of all backgrounds come together through mutual respect, understanding, equality, and a shared commitment to justice.
Staff encourage the Advisory Committee to consider how the proposed theme can be reflected throughout the celebration, including performances, guest speakers, educational programming, community engagement, and other event activities.
If the Advisory Committee reaches consensus on a final theme, staff recommend formal approval to provide directions for event planning and promotional efforts. If additional discussion is needed, the item may be continued to a future meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approve the Theme for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration