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Learning and Serving in Orange County During MLK Day and Black History Month

Writer's picture: Kristina M. GarciaKristina M. Garcia

Updated: Jan 21

Orange County has a number of events to celebrate a day of service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a month of learning for Black History Month.

Performers in the annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Culture OC
Performers in the annual Orange County Black History Parade in Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Culture OC

The first month of the new year is close to its end, which leads to the beginning of February and Black History Month. But before moving on, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is today. Both of these times not only push us to look back to learn about and remember our history, but also to look forward and find ways to help our community to become better.


Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a day when we are encouraged to push our own self-interests aside and focus on the world around us. Some may consider it just another day off work. But this federal holiday is designed for individuals to spring into action through donations, volunteering, charity work or any peaceful act of service for the betterment of the environment and our community.   


Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo by Dick DeMarsico and the World Telegram & Sun, courtesy of the Library of Congress
Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo by Dick DeMarsico and the World Telegram & Sun, courtesy of the Library of Congress

Civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pushed America toward racial equality. As one of the most prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement, King spearheaded the first nonviolent bus boycott, causing the Supreme Court to declare busing segregation unconstitutional; led the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech; and with a rally of peaceful protestors, marched the 54-mile route from Selma to the Alabama capital of Montgomery, leading Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 


While only naming a few of his accomplishments, it doesn’t deter from the legacy of King as he steered an extraordinary life of change in a nation corrupted by inequality. You may want to consider using this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to remember his life and legacy through books, discussion and acts of service. 


The recent wildfires have put community needs front and center in Southern California. Right now evacuees need basic necessities, such as food, hygiene products, bedding, pet and baby food. Check your local gyms, libraries, community centers, human shelters and animal shelters to see if they are accepting donations.


Children are invited to participate in special activities to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy, including story time, discussions, and arts and crafts. Photo Courtesy of Pretend City Children's Museum
Children are invited to participate in special activities to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy, including story time, discussions, and arts and crafts. Photo Courtesy of Pretend City Children's Museum

Below are some local events you may want to attend to honor King’s legacy.


MLK Prayer Breakfast

Where: Newsong Church, 1010 W. 17th St., Santa Ana

When: 8 to 9:30 a.m., doors open at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 20 

Cost: $28.52 and up

Contact: 949-477-0700, newsong.com


Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Pretend City 

Where: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine

When: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for story time, Jan. 20

Cost: $19.95 adult and child, $16.95 military adult and child, $17.95 seniors

Contact: 949-428-3900, pretendcity.org


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Breakfast

Where: UFCW Local 324 Auditorium, 8530 Stanton Ave., Buena Park

When: 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 31

Cost: $100 and up

Contact: 714-385-1534, oclabor.org 


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembrance

Where: Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda

When: 7 to 11 p.m., April 4

Cost: $49.87 and up, purchase available on Eventbrite


The Singers of Soul choir will perform as a part of the “Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of African American Artistry” concert at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Jan. 25. Photo courtesy of Pacific Symphony
The Singers of Soul choir will perform as a part of the “Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of African American Artistry” concert at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Jan. 25. Photo courtesy of Pacific Symphony

Kick-off Black History MOnth with Symphonic Soul

While Black History Month is in February, the Arts & Learning Conservatory and Pacific Symphony are getting a head start on the month ahead. 


They are teaming up Jan. 25 to bring audiences “Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of African American Artistry,” an evening concert of jazz, classical, spirituals and opera at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.


“The timing of the performance following Martin Luther King Jr. Day and leading up to

Black History Month makes the production even more special and we look forward to

sharing the stories of the muses we admire most,” said Debora Wondercheck, producer and curator of “Symphonic Soul,” in a statement.


The multifaceted production is a tribute to African American artists whose contributions have greatly impacted and influenced American music. The concert celebrates these individuals and brings their stories to life through spoken word with live narration from a poet and storyteller, the award-winning vocal ensemble The Singers of Soul, orchestra, jazz musicians, dance and image magnifying visuals. 


“We’ve designed the performance from a historical perspective using spoken word to bring the audience in to authentically connect with and understand the paths of each musician’s journey,” Wondercheck said. 


Conducted in part by Pacific Symphony music director Carl St.Clair and co-conducted by ALC’s founder Wondercheck, the concert will honor classical composers, singers and musicians. The performance's first half will include pieces from legendary artists, such as jazz composer, pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington and his piece “Night Creature;” composer, pianist and activist Margaret Bonds with Selections from “Montgomery Variations;” as well as a tribute to the iconic vocal talents of Marian Anderson for contralto singer and orchestra. 


The latter half of the concert will shift to spiritual and gospel works while touching on artists in pop culture such as Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” orchestrated by Larry Ball and Duane Benjamin; Kanye West’s “Hallelujah,” orchestrated by Benjamin; and Eugene Rogers and Mark Foster’s Academy Award-winning song “Glory” from the 2014 historical drama “Selma.”


“By sharing their stories, family roots, career paths and everything in between, the audience will leave feeling inspired, as if they now know each of them personally,” Wondercheck added. 


Tickets are available by phone at (714) 755-5799 or through the pacificsymphony.org website, with prices between $33 and $138. “Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of African Artistry” is a part of Pacific Symphony’s 2024-2025 Specials Series. 


Participants in the Black History Parade in 2022. Photo courtesy of the Orange County Heritage Festival
Participants in the Black History Parade in 2022. Photo courtesy of the Orange County Heritage Festival

Additional Black History Month events

45th annual OC Black History Parade and Unity Festival

Hosted by the Orange County Heritage Society, this annual event is a full day festival with live music, food vendors, and of course, a parade. This year's grand marshal is actor, rapper and philanthropist Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker.


Where: 205 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., parade at 10 a.m. Feb. 1

Cost: Free

Contact: 714-579-9966, oc-hc.org

Pretend City Black History Month Kick Off

For those with young children, you can introduce them to Black History month with story time and activities at Pretend City.


Where: 29 Hubble, Irvine

When: Story times at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Cost: Free to $19.95


Cal State Fullerton's Month-Long Celebration

Cal State Fullerton has built a full month's worth of lectures and activities centered around celebrating Black History month, including:


  • Feb. 3, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration

  • Feb. 4, 4 - 5 p.m.: Black in STEM

  • Feb. 6: Black Barbie: Film Screening & Research Day. Start the day by exploring themes from the “Black Barbie” documentary such as race, identity, development and media representation, and hear from keynote speaker L. Monique Ward, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan. Then end the night with a showing of the “Black Barbie” documentary, finishing with a panel discussion including scholars from the film. 

  • Feb. 12: Cultural Lens: Black Love, Resilience, and Legacy. A workshop that explores “the impact of systemic challenges on Black relationships, the enduring legacy of resilience, and the meaning of Black Love.”

  • Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Hairitage: Loving Our Roots. Includes educational table talks and guest speaker, Dr. Kristin Rowe, who was featured in the Netflix documentary “The Black Beauty Effect.”

  • Feb. 19, noon - 1:15 p.m.: Black Power Now

  • Feb. 19, on Zoom, time TBD: Creativity Has No Color - Professional Strategies for Black Professionals

  • Feb. 20, 5-7 p.m.: Melodies at the AARC. This event invites participants to “connect through song while exploring the influence of Black music across genres and generations.”


For more information visit their website: fullerton.edu/blackhistorymonth/


A Holy Vessel: A Spiritual Exploration of Black Art

According to their website, A Holy Vessel focuses on the transmutation of spirituality through Black creation, from the body to artistic medium.


Where: Golden West College Art Gallery, Fine Arts Building, Room 108, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach

When: Opening reception – 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 18; runs Feb. 18-March 20

Cost: Free



 

Debora Wondercheck, quoted in this story, is a member of the advisory board for Culture OC.

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