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(1) Discuss a Theme and Ideas for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration; and (2) If Decided, Approval of the Theme for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
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Meeting Date: October 27, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Troy / CM Department
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 (10/22/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (10/22/2026)
Department Approval: Tomás Herrera-Mishler, PRCS Director (10/22/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (1) discuss a theme and ideas for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration; and (2) if decided approval of the theme of 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.
The Committee may also develop a local theme that reflects the values, history, and aspirations of the Culver City community while honoring Dr. King's legacy.
For the 2027 celebration, the concept of Sankofa has been suggested as a possible foundation for the event's theme.
Sankofa is a concept originating from the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa, commonly interpreted as "go back and get it." It emphasizes the importance of learning from the past to inform the present and build a better future.
The philosophy of Sankofa aligns with Dr. King's teachings by encouraging reflection on the struggles, achievements, and lessons of previous generations while recognizing our collective responsibility to advance justice, equality, and unity.
Establishing a theme will help guide event programming, marketing, speaker coordination, educational activities, and community outreach.
DISCUSSION
Staff requests that the Advisory Committee discuss potential themes for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The Committee may consider adopting The King Center's national theme, incorporating the concept of Sankofa, combining elements of both, or developing an entirely original theme that reflects Dr. King's legacy and the values and aspirations of the Culver City community.
The King Center's theme emphasizes love, truth, justice, and nonviolence as essential principles for strengthening communities and creating positive change.
Sankofa complements these principles by encouraging communities to reflect on historical struggles, recognize the contributions of previous generations, and apply those lessons to current challenges and future progress.
Staff encourage the Advisory Committee to consider how the selected theme can be incorporated into performances, guest speakers, educational programming, community service activities, and other elements of the celebration.
If the Advisory Committee reaches consensus, staff recommend formal approval of a theme to provide direction for 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