Santa Cruz Celebrates MLK Day With Parade

Thousands march through downtown to honor civil rights leader and protest current administration

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Thousands of people marched through downtown Santa Cruz on Jan. 19, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, to celebrate the civil rights leader's legacy and also protest against the current administration. The event, themed 'Stepping Into the Future Together', was organized by the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch and featured a wide array of messages and policies regarding social justice being promoted.

Why it matters

The annual MLK Day parade in Santa Cruz is an important event that brings the community together to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for racial equality and justice. This year's march also highlighted ongoing political tensions and the desire of many to speak out against the current administration.

The details

The march began at the Black Lives Matter mural near Santa Cruz City Hall, where a dense crowd of marchers carrying banners, signs, and even paper mache statues lined up and then marched or danced through downtown. The event featured live music and children's activities at the end point on Church Street in front of the Civic Auditorium.

  • The march took place on January 19, 2026, which was Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

The players

NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch

The local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People that organized the MLK Day march.

Don Williams

A 38-year resident of Santa Cruz who attended the march with his two grown daughters.

Miriam Stombler

A marcher who carried a cardboard polar bear sign and was part of a group carrying signs about endangered species and a banner reading 'Help! Mother Earth'.

Tim Tonsing

A Santa Cruz resident who stood on the sidewalk watching the parade and shouting about his displeasure with President Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is really a blessing to see this number of people here. There's a lot of craziness going on in the world today. Today is a day of service. A day to uplift somebody. Take time to put your ear to the ground and hear what is going on.”

— Don Williams, Resident (tpgonlinedaily.com)

“I'm glad to see so many people all here together for the community.”

— Miriam Stombler (tpgonlinedaily.com)

“Silence is consent. People need to speak up now. I'll probably be arrested next year for doing this same thing.”

— Tim Tonsing, Resident (tpgonlinedaily.com)

The takeaway

The annual MLK Day parade in Santa Cruz continues to be an important event for the community to come together and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while also providing a platform for residents to voice their political views and concerns about the current administration.