On January 15, 2018, the 33rd Annual Kingdom Day Parade was held in South Los Angeles. Dr. Adrian Dove, CEO and President of the Kingdom Day Parade, worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. He is committed to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through the Kingdom Day Parade. This historic event is one of the largest King Day Holiday celebrations in the nation.

The theme of the Kingdom Day Parade this year, “When They Go Low, We Go High,” resonated with many in our current political climate. In spite of political uncertainty, perhaps the Kingdom Day Parade inspired those advocating for civil rights to reminisce about how we have overcome. And the Kingdom Day Parade may be motivation to continue making progress as there is more work to do.

Several public officials, dignitaries, and celebrities attended the Kingdom Day Parade such as Grand Marshall U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. The Kingdom Day Parade also featured bright costumes, marching bands, civic groups, and a protest reenactment entitled “Remembering the Beauty of Naturals.”

“Remembering the Beauty of Naturals,” was featured on NBC 4 and in the LA Daily News. The visuals of the protest reenactment radiated through the crowd of thousands with a vintage vehicle,  women wearing afros, and signage with a message of hope – “King’s Dream Was For All People.”

“Remembering the Beauty of Naturals” models were Regi Kim, Patrice Harris Simmons,  Tracy Sanders, Denise Lyles-Cook, Rakhua, and Elke Scott. Special thanks to the sponsors of “Remembering the Beauty of Naturals” including Nappywood, Los Angeles Natural Hair & Lifestyle Expo, Natural Hair and the Law, Cochran Law Firm, Staples, and Trader Joe’s.