MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend

ABOUT

The Gathering for Justice is proud to announce our 3rd Annual MLK Unity Summit and CommUNITY Basketball Game, taking place on Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Oxnard, California

This intergenerational event, held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, will bring together hundreds of young people, families, and community leaders for a weekend of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.

MLK Unity Summit 2025: Event Schedule

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Youth Summit: Empowering the Next Generation

    • Dynamic Speakers: Engaging and inspiring changemakers will share stories and insights to motivate the next wave of leaders.

    • Interactive Panels: Explore critical topics, from social justice to youth advocacy, with experts and community leaders.

    • Healing and Visioning Workshops: Guided sessions to promote mental health, resilience, and collective visioning for the future.

    • Performances and Music: Uplifting performances by local artists, spoken word poets, and youth talent showcasing creativity and cultural pride.

    • Mural Painting: A collaborative art project symbolizing unity, empowerment, and hope for justice.


      Sunday, January 12, 2025

      CommUNITY Basketball Game

    • Pre-Game Entertainment: High-energy music, live performances, and interactive activities to bring the community together before tip-off.

    • Two Spirited Games: Designed to unite the community through sports, emphasizing teamwork, inclusion, and solidarity.

    • Award Ceremony to honor community members and organizations doing extraordinary work in the community. 

      Highlights of the Event

    • Dynamic Youth-Led Programming: Centering the voices and vision of young leaders to inspire action and collaboration.

    • Kingian Nonviolence Training: Practical tools and strategies for fostering peace and justice in our communities.

    • Panels and Workshops: Interactive sessions focusing on healing, equity, and building a future shaped by the aspirations of young people.

    • CommUNITY Basketball Game: A celebratory and unifying event emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit.

      Special Tributes

      Honoring the legacies of Harry Belafonte, Chino XL aka Derek Barbosa, Paul S. Eckstein, and Pat Bell for their contributions to justice, art, and community mentorship.

About The Gathering for Justice

Founded in 2005 by the late Harry Belafonte, The Gathering for Justice was created as a response to racial injustice and the criminalization of youth. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community, Belafonte envisioned an organization grounded in nonviolence and collective power to address systemic inequities in the United States.

Under the leadership of Carmen Perez-Jordan, the organization has led transformative campaigns, including legislative advocacy for criminal justice reform, youth empowerment initiatives, and cultural organizing to foster systemic change.

Carmen Perez-Jordan’s Vision

A native of Oxnard, Carmen Perez-Jordan has dedicated her life to advocating for equity and justice. She created the MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend with her childhood coach, Terrel Harrison from the City of Oxnard, to bring back the lessons she has learned and inspire the next generation of changemakers in her hometown.

“Dr. King taught us the power of love and nonviolence, and Mr. Belafonte showed us how to turn that power into transformative action. This event is not just a celebration; it is a call to action for the next generation to unite our communities and ignite change.”

Join us in celebrating this transformative weekend.

For sponsorship opportunities or more information, contact adriana.britt@oxnard.org

Together, we can honor Dr. King’s vision and continue building a just, inclusive society for future generations.