For Immediate Release

FROM MLK Unity Group

Victory in Unity

Chico’s 42nd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to Kick-Off Black History Month

Sunday, February 5, 2023, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Chico State Bell Memorial Union Auditorium, 400 West 1st Street, Chico, CA

Chico’s traditional celebration of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. has moved from January 16th to February 5th to align with Chico State and Butte College students. The location has moved from the plaza and Trinity United Methodist Church to the Chico State’s Bell Memorial Union Auditorium. Chico’s MLK Unity Group is collaborating with Chico State Black Student Union and others to present an impressive program on FEBRUARY 5, 2023 at Chico State’s BMU. This is a free family event. * Refreshments will be provided. *

The theme this year is “Victory in Unity.” In 1965, Dr. King said "We must all learn to live together as brothers [and sisters], or we will all perish together as fools." As divisions in our nation and communities widen, Dr. King reminds us to unite as brothers and sisters regardless of our backgrounds. We experience victory when we come together to heal from the trauma caused to our planet, ourselves and one another – we are resilient and we are forever hopeful.

This year’s Chico program has something for everyone! Beginning in the Wildcat Plaza (in front of the BMU) there will be a lively rally with activities for students, families and children starting at 1:00. The inspiring BMU program starts at 2:00 p.m. with a Mechoopda land acknowledgement and will bring high-energy sorority and fraternity step-dancing, moving music and uplifting spoken word. Our beloved community invites keynote speaker Dr. Hardy Brown, chair of the Black Voice Foundation.

The project’s collaborators include Program Director Dominique Silva Soares, from Chico State’s BFSA, Rally Director DeJoun Jones of Butte Community College ASIC Peers and Mentors, Chico State student and President of BSU Salymata Boury, and the members of Chico’s MLK Unity Group.

Please join us for this collaborative event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.

To commemorate Dr. King on January 16th, please visit his statue in Chico’s Community Park on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pkwy or join the events in Oroville.

Sponsoring Organizations:

MLK Unity Group, Chico State Black Student Union, Black Source, Bethel AME Church, Chico State Associated Students, Chico State Black Faculty and Staff, and Chico State Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

facebook.com/belovedcommunitychico

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