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(1) Discuss a Theme and Ideas for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration; and (2) if decided Approval the Theme of the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
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Meeting Date: August 27, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/PRCS Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
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 (8/21/2025); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (8/21/2025)
Department Approval: Ted Stevens, PRCS Director (8/21/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (1) discuss a theme and ideas for the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration; and (2) if decided approval of the theme of the 2026 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 Committee adopts the national theme established by The King Center, which sets a unifying message for commemorations across the country. However, as of the date of this report, The King Center has not yet announced a theme for 2026. Depending on the timeline of that announcement, the Committee may choose to wait for the official theme or develop a local theme in alignment with Dr. King's legacy and values.
Establishing a theme early is critical for guiding event programming, marketing, speaker coordination, and community outreach. Past themes have focused on unity, justice, civic engagement, and the power of service.
DISCUSSION
Staff requests that the Advisory Committee discuss and provide in...
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