MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend | January 24, 2026 | Oxnard, CA

This event is free and open to the public.

MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend | January 24, 2026

The Gathering for Justice and Oxnard PAL Teen Center proudly present the 4th Annual MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Dates: Saturday, January 24, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (doors open at 9:30am), and

Location: Oxnard PAL Teen Center, 350 S K St, Oxnard, CA 93030.

This intergenerational event will bring together hundreds of young people, families, and community leaders for a weekend of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.

MLK Unity Summit 2026

The MLK Unity Summit is a dynamic, intergenerational event that celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and our Founder, Harry Belafonte, while empowering youth and fostering community connections.

Hosted by The Gathering for Justice in Oxnard, California, the weekend includes a day of programming designed to inspire action, cultivate leadership, and promote unity

Why Attend?

1. The MLK Unity Summit provides a space to honor Dr. King's vision while actively engaging in the work of justice and equity.
2. It’s a celebration of culture, collaboration, and resilience, offering a platform for youth voices and fostering meaningful connections across generations.
3. This event is FREE to the PUBLIC!
4. Register to the event at www.gatheringforjustice.org/mlk2026
5. Follow The Gathering for Justice facebook, Instagram for updates @gather4justice

MLK Unity Summit 2026: Event Schedule

Saturday, January 24, 2026

Youth Summit: Empowering the Next Generation

1. Dynamic Speakers: Engaging and inspiring changemakers will share stories and insights to motivate the next wave of leaders.
2. Interactive Panels: Explore critical topics, from social justice to youth advocacy, with experts and community leaders.
3. Healing and Visioning Workshops: Guided sessions to promote mental health, resilience, and collective visioning for the future.
4. Performances and Music: Uplifting performances by local artists, spoken word poets, and youth talent showcasing creativity and cultural pride.
5. Mural Painting: A collaborative art project symbolizing unity, empowerment, and hope for justice.

CommUNITY Basketball Game

1. Pre-Game Entertainment: High-energy music, live performances, and interactive activities to bring the community together before tip-off.
2. Two Spirited Games: Designed to unite the community through sports, emphasizing teamwork, inclusion, and solidarity.
3. 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, welcomes you to a two-day intergenerational event series, bringing together the city of Oxnard and Ventura county to build solidarity and collective action. Weekend events include a Youth Summit, Youth Networking Breakfast, and community basketball game. These activities will help create bridges for young people in Ventura County to connect with local, state and national organizations, as well as with renowned organizers, artists, and influencers. The weekend will provide pathways for our youth to become the future leaders of tomorrow. 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.

Call to Action

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.