Astro Bug

LOS ANGELES - AstroBug -- The streets of Los Angeles will come alive on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with the 40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade, celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's theme, "Peace and Unity, Let It Start With Us," underscores the community's commitment to Dr. King's vision of equality and harmony.

The Kingdom Day Parade has grown into the nation's largest and longest-running celebration of Dr. King's birthday, drawing over 200,000 in-person attendees and reaching more than 1.4 million viewers on-air and online. The event features a vibrant array of marching bands, drill teams, equestrian units, and floats, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Los Angeles.

Highlights of the parade include the return of the Disneyland Resorts, bringing its iconic and beloved characters and Disney Cast Members to add a touch of magic to the festivities. From dazzling floats to lively performances, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. In addition, Blue Shield of California returns as the Presenting Sponsor.

"As we celebrate the 40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade, we invite everyone to honor Dr. King's legacy through action, compassion, and unity. In today's complex and ever-changing political landscape, the call for peace and understanding has never been more essential," said Dr. Adrian Dove, Chairman and Executive Producer.

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This year marks a significant milestone as Dr. Adrian Dove, the visionary Chairman and Executive Producer of the parade, announces his retirement. Dr. Dove's unwavering dedication has been instrumental in fostering community spirit and honoring Dr. King's legacy through this annual and iconic event.

"This year's 40th Kingdom Day Parade is not just a celebration; it's a powerful reminder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s timeless message of peace, unity, and equality," shares Kingdom Day Parade's President and Event Producer, Sabra Waddy. "As we honor the incredible legacy of Dr. Adrian Dove in his final year as our Chairman and Visionary Leader, we also look ahead with excitement and purpose. Next year, we'll embark on a new chapter with plans to unveil an extraordinary addition to the parade. This special initiative is designed to help engage youth leaders nationwide to carry Dr. King's dream forward. This parade is about remembering the past and building a brighter future."

Joining the historic celebration as Grand Marshal is Ava DuVernay, the acclaimed director of Selma. Her groundbreaking work in film and storytelling reflects the principles of equality and justice that Dr. King championed, making her a fitting choice to lead this year's celebration. groundbreaking work in film and storytelling reflects the principles of equality and justice that Dr. King championed, making her a fitting choice to lead this year's celebration.

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Ava DuVernay is an Academy Award nominee and winner of the Emmy, BAFTA, Sundance, Image, and Peabody Awards. Her feature film directorial work includes the historical drama Selma, which was the first film directed by a Black woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Her criminal justice documentary, 13th, made DuVernay the first Black woman in Academy history to be nominated as a feature director. She became the highest-grossing Black woman filmmaker in American box office history with her direction of Disney's A Wrinkle in Time.

The parade will commence at 10:00 AM at the intersection of Western Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., proceeding west along MLK Blvd. to Crenshaw Blvd., and continuing south to Vernon Ave., culminating with a festival in Leimert Park at Crenshaw and Vernon. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and fully immerse themselves in the festivities. For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be aired via delayed broadcast from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on ABC7 and streamed worldwide on Hulu, ensuring that Dr. King's message of peace and unity reaches a global audience. For more information, please visit our website at www.kingdomdayparade.org.

Please refer to the media contact for interview opportunities with Dr. Adrian Dove, Chairman and Executive Producer, and Sabra Waddy, Event Producer and Vice President of the Kingdom Day Parade.

Media Contact: Joy Parris
Jparris@richgirlproductions.com
(323)960-5600