The City of Santa Clarita held its fifth annual MLK Day Walk on Monday morning, with a strong focus on youth as the next generation took center stage.

“It’s truly moving to have all these young voices joining us for this very important event by participating in this unity walk,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste. “You are carrying forward Dr. King’s legacy and ensuring his impact will continue to inspire those around us.”

Weste added that each and every person has the power to make a difference by showing kindness to others, respecting neighbors and helping build a stronger community.

Dr. Cherise Moore of the William S. Hart Union High School District, who also helped create the MLK Unity Walk, continued emphasizing youth involvement by announcing the district’s inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest.

Dr. Cherise Moore addresses the crowd at the MLK Unity Walk.

“It’s efforts like this that are truly going to leave us changed, because it is the young people who are going to help move us forward,” said Dr. Moore. “They are willing to take risks, lead with courage and imagine a better way forward.”

The essay prompt asked students: “How can nonviolent action strengthen communities and help heal a divided nation?”

Moore announced the top three essays at both the junior high and high school levels, with the two first-place winners sharing excerpts from their essays. All submitted essays will be published in an anthology.

Following the readings, children from the Bee Brave (Because Racism Affects Virtually Everyone) Movement performed the organization’s anthem, centered on bravery, kindness and love.

The event also featured remarks from local religious leaders, including Rabbi Jay Siegel of Congregation Beth Shalom of the Santa Clarita Valley, Dr. Robert Cooper, founding pastor of Berean Baptist Family Fellowship, Rev. Christopher Montella of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, and Sammy Hawk of the Islamic Center of the Santa Clarita Valley.

“I have the privilege of standing here today before you because Dr. King and many other civil rights leaders sat on the bus, sat on the lunch counter, sat in churches and prayed for the heart of this nation,” said Dr. Cooper. “It only seems right that we pause as a country to reflect on his contributions.”

He added that the unity walk is an opportunity to not only show Santa Clarita, but the world that together we are stronger.

After the speeches and musical performances from various Santa Clarita organizations and churches, attendees participated in the unity walk to conclude the event.

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