King's parade unites a rainbow of groups
Tomorrow's Martin Luther King Jr. parade will showcase a diverse population walking down Kalakaua Avenue.
It will be a reflection of the civil rights leader's words and beliefs, which were meant for people of all races, said Patricia Anthony, president of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Hawaii.
For the 19th year, the coalition is organizing a host of events marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The centerpiece is the parade and Unity Rally at Kapiolani Park, but events are held throughout the month.
More than a thousand people are expected to participate in tomorrow's parade, including Buddhists, Methodists, Hare Krishnas, Republicans and Democrats.
"That's what makes us so unique," Anthony said. "Everybody shows up."
All year the coalition participates in feeding the poor and homeless and often works with church communities and other nonprofit groups. The events honoring King culminate the year for them, but Anthony said, "our main thing is to always promote peace."
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY EVENTS
TODAY
» "Lift Every Voice," a seminar on apology and reconciliation, which includes a showing of the film "Nation Within" at Mission Memorial Auditorium, 3 p.m.
» Nagasaki Peace Bell ringing and candlelight ceremony at Honolulu Hale civic grounds at 5:30 p.m. with torchlight march to Iolani Palace to follow.
TOMORROW
» 19th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, formation at Magic Island at 9 a.m. with route going down Ala Moana Boulevard to Kalakaua Avenue and ending at Kapiolani Park.
» Church of the Crossroads celebration and awarding of the Hawaii Peacemaker Award to Elizabeth Kent, director of the State Judiciary's Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution, at 1212 University Ave., 7 p.m.
TUESDAY
» Legacy of Peacebuilders in the Asia Pacific: King, a Queen and a "Servant," conference at Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, Jefferson Hall, UH-Manoa, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
THROUGH JAN. 26
» "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize" nonviolent art exhibit at Pacific Traditions Gallery, 19 North Pauahi St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., tomorrow to Saturday.
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