Community Leaders Unite for 30th Annual MLK Walk-A-Thon

Leaders from Moreno Valley College (MVC), Riverside Community College District (RCCD), and the broader Inland Empire community gathered on Monday, January 20, for the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon, an event celebrating unity, service, and the civil rights leader's enduring legacy.

Among the participants were MVC Interim President FeRita Carter, Ph.D., Foundation Development Officer Marie Thermidor, and RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D. They joined local elected officials, civic leaders, and community members in the walk, which started at the Stratton Community Center and concluded at the Riverside Public Library. The event, organized by the Riverside African American Historical Society, has been a cornerstone of the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations for three decades.

“The annual walk-a-thon is a meaningful way to engage with the community and honor Dr. King’s legacy,” Carter said. “He championed service, connection, and equity, and this event embodies those values by bringing people together in a shared commitment to progress.”

The MLK holiday has evolved into a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to give back to their communities. This year’s walk-a-thon continued that tradition, with proceeds supporting the Civil Rights Institute, funding scholarships, and maintaining the Martin Luther King Jr. statue in downtown Riverside.

“Walking side by side with students, great non-profits, and residents reminds us of the importance of staying engaged with the communities we serve,” Thermidor said. “It’s a privilege to honor Dr. King’s legacy by actively participating in events that foster unity and opportunity. What made it more special is I got to do it with my sons.”

Approximately 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds and organizations participated in the event. The walk symbolized togetherness, as people from all walks of life came together to support a common cause, reinforcing the ideals of unity and collective progress.

Local leaders, including United States Representative Mark Takano, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, and Councilmember Philip Falcone, also addressed attendees, reflecting on King’s impact and the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

As the walk concluded in downtown Riverside, participants expressed their commitment to carrying King’s message forward—not just on MLK Day but throughout the year.