MLK inspires march, day of service in Merced

Organizers continue to plan events to honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, the day set aside nationally to remember his message of peace and equality.

Those planning a march in King’s name will gather on West 24th Street, in front of the Amtrak station, before the 11 a.m. procession moves south along Martin Luther King Jr. Way to the Merced County Fairgrounds.

A program in tribute to King, who led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott, is set to begin at noon at the fairgrounds. The celebration often draws speakers, cultural dances and music through the afternoon.

King was known for his nonviolent message, ability to inspire people as a speaker and spearheading important moments during the civil rights struggle. He was assassinated after speaking on behalf of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968.

The celebration will also pay tribute to Bishop Dwight Amey Sr., one of the originators of the Merced march and past chairman of the Merced MLK Committee, which organizes the annual event meant to carry on the work of King, according to organizer Eugene Drummond Sr.

King, the orator of 1963’s “I Have a Dream” speech, has also inspired the National Day of Service, which about 100 UC Merced students plan to observe from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Monday at Applegate Park, 1045 W. 25th St.

They plan to clean up the park, paint, make repairs and conduct other maintenance projects. City crews will guide them through the process, according to city staff.

This story was originally published January 16, 2015 at 3:46 PM with the headline "MLK inspires march, day of service in Merced."