title
Approve the Draft of the Run of Show for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2026 with Amendments, if Any.
body
Meeting Date: November 19, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/ Senior Management Analyst
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
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 (11/14/2025); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (11/14/2025)
Department Approval: Ted Stevens, PRCS Director (11/14/2025)
____________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee approve the draft of the run of show for Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event 2026 with amendments, if any.
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 with the planning of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for 2026. With the timeline of the event two months away, staff has put together a draft of the run of show for the Advisory Committee to discuss on what are appropriate events and at what time they will accrue.
DISCUSSION
Staff is presenting a draft of the run of show for the committee to discuss. At this stage, the schedule is being populated and serves as a working document to discussion the structure, timing, and flow of activities for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The Advisory Committee will have the opportunity to provide input on what elements should be included, such as performances, speakers, presentations, and recognitions and determine the most appropriate sequence and timing to ensure a cohesive and engaging program.
In addition to discussing the program flow, the Advisory Committee should also consider the logistical components that support a smooth and successful event. This includes determining appropriate arrival and setup times for staff, technical crews, and vendors to ensure that all elements are in place before the program begins. Staff and tech teams should arrive early to oversee site preparation, conduct sound and equipment checks, and address any unforeseen needs. Vendors should be scheduled to arrive with sufficient time for setup without overlapping with key rehearsals or guest arrivals. A dedicated technical rehearsal time should be established for performers to test sound levels and stage transitions. Clear timelines for performer arrival, setup, and breakdown should also be identified to maintain organization and efficiency throughout the event day.
In addition, the Advisory Committee will take this time to discuss two request that was sent to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services department to see if the committee would like to utilize their services.
• Heroes of Color
o Freight of Humanity is a civic art workshop created by Heroes of Color, LLC. Participants design cardboard freight boxcars that tell their families’ stories of migration, heritage, and belonging. When connected, the boxcars form a unified train, a powerful visual reminder that individual journeys contribute to a shared story.
o The project’s message is universal and resonant across communities. It is well-suited for MLK Day, Juneteenth, or any celebration focused on identity, unity, and connection.
o The workshop is turnkey, affordable, and adaptable to youth, families, and intergenerational groups.
• A Matterworks Production
o A local, Black-owned video production agency specializing in filming event performances.
o A Matterworks Production is operated by a husband-and-wife team.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes $27,000 in funding for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in General Fund Account 10130280.514100 (Community Events & Excursions/Departmental Supplies) and in General Fund Account 10130280.619800 (Community Events & Excursions/Other Contractual Services).
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-11-19 - ATT 1 MLK Jr. Celebration 2026 Draft Activity Overview
2. 2025-11-19 - ATT 2 MLK Jr. Celebration 2026 Draft Run of Show
3. 2025-11-19 - ATT 3 MLK Jr. Celebration 2026 Draft Run of Show Gantt
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 2026 with amendments, if any.