Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition

Our Mission

To educate, inspire and promote the ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. within our communities, fostering equality, justice, and love.

Our Story

In 1986, a group of passionate community members came together to honor the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Their vision was simple yet profound—to create a lasting tribute to Dr. King’s work by bringing people together through a celebration that would inspire unity, equality, and justice for all.

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition was born from this shared vision. Founded as a community partnership, the Coalition brought together organizations like the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College, the Westside Interfaith Council, the NAACP Santa Monica-Venice, and others, each contributing to the mission of honoring Dr. King’s ideals. What began as a small gathering in Santa Monica has since blossomed into an impactful annual event, drawing the community together for a weekend of celebration, reflection, and action.

Over the years, the Coalition has become a beacon for inclusivity, uniting a diverse group of volunteers, institutions, businesses, and community organizations. From local churches and schools to renowned institutions like RAND Corporation and SGI-USA, the coalition’s strength lies in its ability to bring together people from all walks of life. Each year, the Coalition’s efforts are supported by longstanding partners such as the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College Foundation, and Santa Monica College Associates, ensuring that Dr. King’s message reaches every corner of the community.

The centerpiece of the Coalition’s work is the annual celebration on the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This free public event serves as a tribute to the enduring impact of Dr. King’s vision and an opportunity for the community to unite around shared values. The celebration features inspirational speakers, educational student awards, music, dance, and the Community Involvement Fair, where attendees can learn more about local organizations dedicated to making a positive impact.

One of the most moving aspects of the celebration is the educational student awards ceremony. Here, local students are recognized for their dedication to Dr. King’s ideals, with their projects and achievements in social justice, equality, and community service honored by the Coalition. This event not only celebrates the accomplishments of today’s youth but also encourages future generations to continue the work Dr. King started.

As the Coalition has grown, so too has its reach. The Community Involvement Fair, which started with just a few tables, now boasts 25 nonprofit organizations, each playing a vital role in promoting social good within the community. From its humble beginnings in the parking lot of the Crossroads School to its current location at John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center, the celebration has become a vital part of the Santa Monica community’s calendar, drawing people together from all walks of life to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

The growth of the Coalition has not come without challenges. Over the years, the group has lost some of its most dedicated founding members. Yet, the spirit of Dr. King’s vision remains alive through the new generation of volunteers and leaders who have stepped in to continue the work. Nathaniel Trives, one of the Coalition’s original co-founders, continues to serve as an active board member, providing wisdom, guidance, and continuity to the organization’s mission.

Today, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition remains as relevant as ever. With each passing year, the organization strives to inspire the community to not only honor Dr. King’s life but to live out his message of unity, justice, and equality in their everyday actions. By continuing to expand and diversify the Coalition’s partnerships, the event, and the community engagement it fosters, the coalition is making sure that Dr. King’s dream is far from over.

Through its work, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition is helping to build a future that reflects Dr. King’s vision—a world where every person is valued and every voice is heard. By continuing to inspire through education, action, and unity, the Coalition remains a powerful reminder that change is possible when we come together as a community, bound by the shared values of love, justice, and equality.