MEDIA ADVISORY
San Diego Unified's 49th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Friday, Jan. 16
Student Performances, Inspiring Speakers and Neighborhood March Honor
Dr. King's Legacy of Peace, Justice and Equality
Board of Education Passed Resolution Tuesday Recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
WHAT: San Diego Unified's 49th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute
WHY: For nearly five decades, Knox Middle School has empowered students to carry forward Dr. King's message through their own voices. Students lead this annual tribute by performing Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, creating artwork that celebrates his legacy, and marching through their community to demonstrate the power of youth advocacy and civic engagement. This student-driven tradition, one of California's longest-running school tributes to Dr. King, connects young people to the historic March on Washington while inspiring them to become the next generation of leaders for justice and equality. The Board of Education for the district recently passed a resolution (linked here) recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
- Program: 9:45-11 a.m.
- March: 10:56-11:08 a.m.
- Event program: View run of show
- March route: View map
WHERE: Knox Middle School, 1098 S. 49th St., San Diego, CA 92113
VISUALS
- Students perform excerpts from the "I Have a Dream" speech
- Student-created banners and artwork honoring Dr. King will be displayed throughout the march
- Performances include Danza Folklorica, Haitian Culture Club, orchestra, and a solo performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner," along with spoken word presented by Valencia Park Elementary students.
- Lincoln High School's JROTC will present colors, and the drumline and majorettes will lead students from eight schools as they march through the neighborhood.
WHO: Dr. Fabiola Bagula, superintendent, San Diego Unified School District; Board of Education Trustee Sharon Whitehurst-Payne; Board Member Shana Hazan; Area E Superintendent Dr. Steve Dorsey; Principal Heather Potter, Knox Middle School; Mark Anthony Hall, Manhood ABC LLC (grand marshal); award recipients Dr. Lateefah S. Brown and Cece McGee of Vertex Pharmaceuticals; and students from Lincoln High School, Knox Middle School, Lewis Middle School, Chavez Elementary, Porter Elementary, Baker Elementary, Balboa Elementary, Valencia Park Elementary and Nye Elementary.
MEDIA PARKING: Parking will be available in the north lot (by the main office)
________________________________________________________________________________
Media Contact: James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net
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| | James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net 4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103
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