Events to Honor Martin Luther King

The county’s 13th annual observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday will be held Monday in Oxnard.

This year’s celebration is around the theme “Redefining Martin’s Dream.”

“Each year we’ve added a different twist to make it more meaningful,” said Oxnard City Councilman Bedford Pinkard.

“The third year, we added the freedom march. This year we’ll have a presentation in which we recognize the area professionals. This year we’re recognizing the Black Nurses Assn. and two students from each school for academic achievement.”

The observance begins at 8 a.m. Monday when community members, elected officials and spiritual leaders will gather at Oxnard’s Plaza Park at 5th and C streets for prayer.

At 8:15, there will be a march to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center.

The program, which will begin at 9 a.m. in the Oxnard room, will feature youth speakers, the Martin Luther King Youth Choir singing gospel music and scripture readings.

The keynote speaker will be Assemblyman Roderick Wright (D-Los Angeles).

The King observance program began in 1986 as a way to spotlight the positive achievements and accomplishments of community youth, said Iva Jeffreys, a spokeswoman for the MLK Committee.

In previous years, the program has drawn 700 people.

Tickets, which cost $3, are available at the Performing Arts Center. Call 486-2424 for more information.

Also this weekend, the Henry Franklin Trio will offer a jazz performance at the Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday.

Night Train will perform jazz, rock and country on Sunday, and Yahman will play reggae on Monday.

The concerts are free and will run from noon to 3 p.m.