37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

800 Hobson Way,Oxnard CA 93030

16 January, 2023

Description

The 37th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., birthday celebration will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019, at 9 a.m. in the Oxnard Room of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Admission includes refreshments, and entry to the celebration and vendor exhibits. This year’s theme is, “In Darkness Be the Light Striving for Freedom." The keynote speaker will be Ventury City Concilmember, Lorrie Brown. Lorrie Brown was elected to the Ventura City Council in November 2018. In addition to serving as City Councilmember, Lorrie is a public servant for the County of Ventura. Prior to this work, Lorrie was a certified substitute teacher for the Ventura Unified School District. In her professional life she owns a writing, media, and communications business. The daughter of seasonal farm workers, Lorrie grew up in Ventura on the Eastside in the Bird Track and later attended Ventura College receiving an AA in Bilingual Studies. She then graduated from California Lutheran University, with a BA in Communications and an MA in Public Policy. She continued her career in public service as a project management lead for the City of Oxnard’s redevelopment agency where she led economic development initiatives that supported small businesses and affordable housing. Lorrie currently serves as the Chair of the General Plan Committee, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Chair of the HOPES Committee (Housing Opportunities, Proactive Engagement, and Solutions), and former co-chair of the Finance, Audit and Budget Committee. She also serves as a board member representing the region on the Southern California Association of Governments. Lorrie raised her three sons in Ventura and has lived here since 1974. She loves to ride horses in her spare time. The day will begin with a Freedom March from Plaza Park at Fifth and “C” Streets. Community members, elected officials, and spiritual leaders will assemble at the park for prayer at 8 AM; the march will begin at 8:15 AM and then proceed to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Transportation is available to Plaza Park from the Performing Arts Center parking lot for the march only. The celebration program will begin at 9 AM and will feature youth speakers, scripture readings, and musical selections by the MLK Community Choir directed by Dr. Angela Timmons. Tickets are also available for purchase direct from MLK Committee members and a limited number may be available on the day of the event at Plaza Park and at the entrance to the event (credit card or cash). Thank you to our 2023 event sponsors!