2017 January PASO Magazine

Mark your calendar for January 14, Unity Matters – We Cannot Walk Alone
Commemorating and honoring the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Meagan Friberg
The entire community is invited
to attend a free commemorative celebration
honoring the life of Martin
Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, Jan.
14 from 1-3 p.m. at the Flamson
Middle School Auditorium, located
at 2405 Spring St. The annual celebration,
with a 2017 theme of Unity
Matters – We Cannot Walk Alone,
stresses the importance of community
members coming together as one.
“This year’s program has a theme of
unity, a bringing together of the community
as a whole,” said Karen Christensen,
MLK committee member.
“Martin Luther King, Jr. himself said,
‘Unity has never meant uniformity.’
This statement captures the city’s
annual Martin Luther King, Jr. event
perfectly as the event represents
an appreciation for all cultures and
races. The message presented is that
the community does not have to be
uniform to hold together, but it does
have to be united in common goals
such as safety, educational opportunities
for all ages, and appreciation of
the arts.”
“Unity has never
meant uniformity.”
MLK, Jr.
Kick off the celebration by joining
in the March for Unity. Gather
at 11:30 a.m. at 21st and Gregory
Street, near the south gate of fairgrounds.
At noon, walk with friends,
family, and fellow community members
– rain or shine – to Flamson
Middle School where the Celebration
will begin at 1 p.m. The Paso
Robles High School Jazz Band will
lead the march.
“In 2009, we marched from
Robbins Field to the City Library,”
said Sharon Williams, committee
co-chairman. “When we moved the
event to Centennial Park it wasn’t
feasible; now that our event is at
Flamson School we are excited for
the opportunity to reinitiate the
march. The walk commemorates Dr.
King’s dream that we would walk together
united as equals.”
Adds Brittney Tarkington, committee
member, “Coming together
to fellowship is one thing; it’s great.
However, standing in agreement on
issues as grand as equality and injustice
produces unification, support
and evokes emotions that are indescribable.
Marching throughout your
city portraying togetherness needs
to be seen. Actions speak louder
than words – this march symbolizes
unity throughout the community,
toward our brothers and sisters, and
a commitment to continue to fulfill
the dreams of Dr. King to eliminate
injustice, equality and peace for all.”
Please see MLK page 26
January 2017, PASO Magazine 25