RIDLEY-THOMAS HONORS FOUNDER AND ORGANIZERS OF 30-YEAR-OLD MLK KINGDOM DAY PARADE

 

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 January 26, 2010                                                  Contact:  Aurelio Rojas 213-280-6579                                                                    James Bolden 213-200-5314

              SUPERVISOR RIDLEY-THOMAS HONORS FOUNDER AND           ORGANIZERS OF 30-YEAR-OLD MLK KINGDOM DAY PARADE

 

LOS ANGELES – Acting on a motion by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, the Board of Supervisors today honored the founder and co-organizers of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Kingdom Day Parade.

 

The parade was founded 30 years ago by Larry Grant to honor the late civil rights leader and celebrate his inspiring vision and legacy. During its early years, it was held in San Diego.

 

In 1986, the parade relocated to Los Angeles. For the past 20 years, Grant has partnered with Grandmaster Tong Suk Chun to produce the event, incorporating diverse elements of culture to update the parade's message.

 

 “Over the years, the significance of the parade has extended from the Los Angeles area, to the nation as a whole, and ultimately to the world,” Supervisor Ridley-Thomas said.

 

The 2.5-mile-long parade features representatives from countries including Afghanistan, Australia, France, Japan, and Korea, among others.

 

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