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Review and Discuss the Draft of the Run of Show for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2027 and Provide Amendments, if Needed.
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Meeting Date: October 27, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Nikki Holten/Management Analyst
Phone Number: (310) 253-5762
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
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 Review and Discuss the Draft of the Run of Show for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2027 and Provide Amendments, if Needed.
BACKGROUND
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) is tasked with advising Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) staff on the planning and development of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
As planning progresses for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, staff have prepared a draft Run of Show (Attachment 1) outlining the anticipated structure and sequence of activities for the main event. The draft reflects the confirmed plan to hold a one-day celebration and provides a framework for the Advisory Committee to discuss programming, timing, and event logistics.
DISCUSSION
Staff is presenting a draft Run of Show for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for the Advisory Committee's review and discussion. The draft outlines potential programming for the confirmed one-day main celebration and uses a 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM timeframe as an illustrative example for scheduling purposes. The event's location, official start and end times have not yet been determined and remain subject to the Advisory Committee's discussion and approval.
The draft includes proposed program components and suggested time allocations to help guide the Advisory Committee's discussion. Potential elements include opening remarks, musical performances, remarks from elected officials, two featured speakers, the MLK Jr. Champion Awards, recognition of the Planning Committee, and closing remarks. These components are presented as possibilities rather than finalized commitments, allowing the Advisory Committee to recommend additions, modifications, or removals.
The Advisory Committee is encouraged to consider whether the proposed activities appropriately reflect the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., provide meaningful community engagement, and maintain a balanced and engaging program. Particular consideration should be given to the number and length of speaking engagements, musical selections, award presentations, and the overall flow and duration of the celebration.
In addition to programming, the Advisory Committee should consider the logistical requirements necessary to support the event, including staff and vendor arrival times, equipment setup, sound checks, technical rehearsals, performer transitions, and event breakdown. Establishing the official event start and end times will also help staff develop an appropriate timeline for these activities.
The draft Run of Show is intended to serve as a working document rather than a finalized program. Staff is seeking the Advisory Committee's input on the proposed activities, their sequence, allotted times, and overall event duration. Following the Advisory Committee's discussion and direction, staff will incorporate recommended amendments and continue refining the Run of Show as speakers, performers, and other event components are confirmed.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 includes $15,000 in funding for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2027 in General Fund Account 10130280.514100 (Community Event & Excursions/Departmental Special Supplies).
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-10-27 ATT 1 MLK Jr. Celebration 2027 Draft Run of Show
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approve the Draft of the Run of Show for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2027, with amendments if any.