Thousands Set to March in Pasadena To Commemorate the 50 YR Anniversary of The March on Washington

MURRIETA, Calif. - July 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Pasadena, CA (July 23, 2013) - Thousands of protesters are set to converge on Washington Blvd in Pasadena California on August 24, 2013 to commemorate the 50^th Year Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s March on Washington and to kick off what is described as a 50 Days of Peace initiative entitled, “Still I Dream… 50 Years Later”, between the community’s residents, youth, leaders, authorities and local officials.

Two local pastors, B.J. King and Ricky Pickens, have organized the event in an attempt to create an open dialogue between everyone involved in creating a safe and welcoming environment and community.  “Nobody knows anyone anymore. I remember when we were growing up we all knew who everyone was by name,” stated Mr. King.  “You knew the name of the police officers and they knew your name. There was a mutual respect between us all because you may have even gone to school with them growing up,” he included.

The Rally will begin at the La Pintoresca Park on Washington Blvd at 8AM and the March will start at 9AM.  It’s set to end a short distance away at the Washington Park where there will be a large community event complete with activities for the kids, vendors, as well as a stage for performances and speeches.

In an attempt to make sure that the event is as effective as possible, the two have teamed up with the Pasadena City Manager’s Office, Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department, Pasadena Police Department, Pasadena Public Health Department, Pasadena Senior Center, Pasadena Youth Ambassadors, Flintridge Center, Pasadena NAACP, Community Clergy Coalition, and the Pasadena Unified School District.

The event is open to everyone and the pastors are hoping that this event will institute other communities to do the same and create an atmosphere where a sense of peace, order and respect can be regained for all.  

The organizers have requested that everyone wear a white shirt to show unity and support for the Rally and March and that they come with a mind for change and the intent on helping create it.  

For More information and registration visit www.StillIDream.com or #StillIDream

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About Pastor B.J. King

A current student of the University of California’s FLI Program and Former co-founding member of Death Row Records turned Pastor, Filmmaker and Humanitarian; King is the CEO and Founder of both The Cure Network and Hood Church Ministries.

B.J., as he is affectionately known by those closest to him, born in March of 1968, not far from The Rose Bowl, in the beautiful city of Pasadena, California, is a former student of John Muir high school which is known for a number of notable graduates such as baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Van Halen front man David Lee Roth, Olympic Gold Medalist Inger Miller and NBA Stars Stacey Augmon and Jacque Vaughn to name a few.

The Hood Church pastor is kicking up dust and making new trails by refusing to follow the footsteps laid down by old time religion and life stagnating mentalities.  

Many would consider him to be a great visionary but Mr. King humbly sees it a little bit differently.  He believes that he has been placed here to undertake a mission and has been gifted with certain talents and or relationships needed in order to do so.  He is determined to fulfill that purpose and see that his work here is complete before he leaves this earth.  

About Pastor Ricky Pickens

Ricky Pickens, Flintridge’s Director of Prevention & Intervention Services.  His background includes 19 years of experience working with high -risk youth and hard core gang members, first as a Program Director and later as Gang Outreach Specialist for the Pasadena Police Department and Truancy officer for Pasadena Unified School District.

Mr. Pickens is respected throughout Southern California, and other states, as a gang interventionist, a certified mediator from Dispute Resolution Services (Western Justice Center) and a facilitator from the Parent Project.  His personal approach in conflict resolution is very unique. Ricky has received countless awards, for his hard-work commitment and dedication to youth and the communities he serves.

Through boundless energy and enthusiastic demeanor, Mr. Pickens efforts have yielded positive results, fostering open lines of communication between residents and police, been available during times of crisis and created special programs in the area of mentorship earning him the title “Street Pastor”. His leadership and passion for youth especially “at-risk/strong willed” is felt throughout the city.