By Ventura Breeze Staff –
The 39th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., birthday celebration will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 9 am in the auditorium of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way. This year’s theme is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy.”
The keynote speaker will be Mr. James Joyce III, who is an educator, public servant, civil rights activist and social entrepreneur who founded Coffee with a Black Guy. At its foundation, CWABG serves as a safe place for interactive community conversations about a variety of issues from the perspective of a Black man. It’s been a growing grassroots effort hosted by Joyce and his team to help put an end to racism. Joyce has been recognized by the Ventura County NAACP branch, which awarded him with its 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award. It is bestowed upon an individual whose groundbreaking work increases understanding and awareness of racial and social issues.
Joyce currently serves on the adjunct faculty of the Santa Barbara City College Career Skills Institute. He served as District Director for California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (Ret.) for nearly ten years and was responsible for the day-to-day operations representing the Senator and her work. He has served on various advisory boards in the
area including Impact Hub Santa Barbara, the Ventura County Leadership Academy, and the Santa Barbara Young Black Professionals. Joyce, an award-winning journalist and a Maryland native, is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Xi Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter. Joyce was runner-up in the 2021 Santa Barbara mayoral election, securing 27 percent of the votes among six candidates. Now Joyce leverages over two decades of public service and experience to provide impactful insight to groups and individuals seeking to gain better cross-cultural understanding.
The morning will begin with a Freedom March from Plaza Park at Fifth and “C” Streets. Community members, elected officials and spiritual leaders will assemble at the park for prayer at 8 a.m.; the march will begin at 8:15 am and proceed to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Transportation is available to Plaza Park from the Performing Arts Center parking lot for the march only (provided by City Corps).
The program will begin at 9 am and will feature youth speakers, scripture readings, and gospel musical selections by the MLK Celebration Choir, which will be directed by Mrs. Tamara Thomas. Community singers and choir members are welcome, including young adults, choir directors, and musicians.
Tickets for the program are $10 and are available from any member of the MLK, Jr., Committee. Tickets are also available online at mlkevent.com. The committee can be found on social media (Facebook and Instagram) as MLKventura. Exhibits, refreshments, and vendor booths will be set up in the Ventura Room of the Performing Arts Center.
From its inception in 1986, the MLK observance program has attempted to spotlight the positive achievements and accomplishments of the youth of our community. In previous years, the Monday program has drawn approximately 600 people from throughout Ventura County, Santa Barbara, and surrounding areas. It was necessary to cancel the program only once, on January 17, 1994, due to an earthquake. As in previous years, this year’s program promises to be an inspirational, informative, and enjoyable experience; and we invite everyone to be a part of the activities and celebration of Rev. Dr. King’s life and legacy.
