As people marched from Sacramento City College to the state Capitol and finally to the Sacramento Convention Center, Jan. 19 became more than a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; It was a day of solidarity and understanding.

“It brings people with the same beliefs for civil and human rights, together,” said Kiara Laur’ren. “As long as the [events] are productive and peaceful, it’s good for the community.”

Put on by MLK365, a non-profit organization that advances the values of Martin Luther King Jr.

The march and Diversity Expo was meant to expose the larger community to needed information and resources.

For civil rights activists everywhere, Martin Luther King Jr. is an icon and his birthday is celebrated in many ways.

“Ideally, it is important to pay homage to leaders who’ve paved the way for you,” said Laur’ren.

This year, the people of Sacramento marched for equal rights and justice.

In a time that seems to be racially divided and when, in some instances, justice seems to be merely an idea, community agreement is crucial to finding the resolution to difficult situations.

At the Sacramento Convention Center on J Street, vendors had the opportunity to offer information to the public.

Organizations like, MindKandi, a new online community builder, offers resources like scholarships and information to young adults seeking higher education.

“As a new organization, you want to make sure your presence is known in the community. It is also a great way to network,” said Karasi Morrow, founder of MindKandi.

The point of events like the Diversity Expo is to build a sense of camaraderie amongst community members.

Organizations have the opportunity to meet more people that may be in need of their services and the community has the opportunity to explore what is being offered.

“Outreach events are important because they connect different community members in a way that they might not normally interact,” said Ezekiel Goodwin, a patient navigator with Community Access of western New York. “It is helpful for raising awareness on topics that are often overlooked or lost in translation over generations.”

Reaching out to the community as a whole is a key component in the civil rights movement, then and now.

Promoting diversity and acceptance of all cultures, races, sexualities and creeds can be seen as a great way to unify people from different walks of life.

“Community outreach is a vital component of developing a sense of ownership for disenfranchised communities,” said Goodwin. “Building a community from within through accountability, literacy and education can cause a tidal wave of change.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Change was Dr. King’s focus and events like the one put on by MLK365 concentrate efforts on causes that promote positive change in today’s society.

Find out more about MLK365 and their goals on their website: http://www.mlk365.org/