RIVERSIDE, CA— The Riverside community will once again unite in service, remembrance, and collective purpose during the 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk-A-Thon, taking place on Monday, January 19, 2026. Organized to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the event embraces this year’s theme, “Marching Towards the Dream,” reinforcing a shared commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment.
Proceeds from the Walk-A-Thon will benefit the African American Historical Society of Riverside, supporting its mission to preserve, educate, and uplift African American history and culture throughout the Inland Empire. The event also reflects the power of cross-sector collaboration, with participation and sponsorship from civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses.
The walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Bordwell Park Stratton Community Center, welcoming families, faith groups, students, and community advocates to walk in unity while honoring Dr. King’s vision of nonviolent action and collective progress. Participants are encouraged to view the Walk-A-Thon not only as a physical journey, but as a symbolic step toward sustaining the work Dr. King began—through service, advocacy, and shared responsibility.
This year’s Walk-A-Thon is supported by a distinguished group of honorary chairs whose leadership reflects the spirit of civic engagement and inclusion that the event represents. Their involvement underscores the importance of community-wide participation in advancing equity and opportunity across Riverside and beyond.
The event is further strengthened by generous sponsors and community partners, including the City of Riverside, U.S. Bank, Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, and Blindness Support Services Inc. Their support helps ensure the Walk-A-Thon remains accessible, impactful, and rooted in service to the broader community.
In addition to participation opportunities, organizations and businesses are invited to engage through multiple sponsorship levels, offering meaningful visibility while directly supporting the mission of the African American Historical Society of Riverside. Sponsorship opportunities range from walk entries and logo placement to in-kind contributions that enhance the overall experience for attendees and volunteers alike.
As Riverside gathers to commemorate Dr. King’s life and legacy, the 31st Annual Walk-A-Thon stands as a powerful reminder that progress is sustained through action. By marching together—across generations, backgrounds, and causes—the community continues to move the dream forward, one step at a time.
