Marchers carry signs of hope along the route. Photo by Christopher Pedigo

YUBA CITY/MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - On the cold, rainy morning of January 13th, a group of approximately 30 people gathered on the front steps of the old Sutter County Courthouse in Yuba City.

They were bound and determined to march the 1.5-mile route, even in inclement weather. The signs they carried had images of Martin Luther King Jr., and some read in bold letters, “Remember the Dream,” “Love, Unity, Respect, Integrity,” and “With Liberty and Justice for ALL.”

Supervisor Karm Bains holds a sign during the parade. Photo by Christopher Pedigo

Amazingly, as the group headed for the street…it stopped raining. With singing and laughter, cold breezes and grey skies, the march began at the courthouse and ended at 115 5th St. in Marysville. It was a highly visible route that took them over the Twin Cities Memorial Bridge where many cars honked their acknowledgment as they drove by.

Marilyn, Elila, and Matti Jane performed choreographed dances for the event. Photo by Teri Saya

The march was joined by Chairman of the Board, Sutter County Supervisor Karm Bains, Yuba County Supervisor Gary Bradford, and Marysville City Councilmember Stuart Gilchrist.

Supervisor Bradford spoke to the crowd just before the march began, “I would like to share one of my favorite quotes. I just think it’s so relevant to what’s going on in our world today.” He went on to read, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Lisa Harris, who founded this commemorative march in 1999, flew in from Washington state for the event. She said, “I want to thank all of the Yuba-Sutter community for keeping this march going for 25 years starting in 1999 with just a handful of people. It’s been a wonderful journey, and the journey continues with Dr. King and the legacy and the love that he spread to all people, and we just want to try to do the same thing.”

Founder Lisa Harris speaks at the podium. Photo by Christopher Pedigo

As the march came to an end, the shivering group was welcomed into the warmly lit Bethel AME Church and offered hot coffee. Approximately 100 people filled the pews inside the church as the famous “I Have a Dream” speech was read and Martin Luther King’s biography was addressed. There was singing, poetry, and dancers.

Councilmember Wade Kirchner, left, and Rep. Doug LaMalfa.

As the event came to a close, there was recognition of the coordinators by Supervisor Karm Bains: “On behalf of the Sutter County Board of Supervisors, I wish to express the gratitude of the people of Sutter County to the Emmanuel Family Worship Center for organizing the event of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Unity March, between the cities of Yuba City and Marysville. This profound event connects both communities through Dr. King’s loving and profound message of social change through non-violence. It is an enduring message to be passed down for many generations.”

Keeping warm, wearing puffy coats, Marcea Chambers and her daughter marched with the group. Photo by Teri Saya