Long Beach Airport Celebrates Diversity in Dr. King Parade

Philip Morisky and Carolyn Carlton Lowe enjoy the ride.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is always eager to get out and into the community whenever possible, and recently, one of the city’s most storied and exciting traditions offered the perfect opportunity to bring LGB spirit to the people of Long Beach.

Pom-poms were a big hit with the crowd.

The city held its 27th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace and Unity Parade over the weekend, and thousands lined the streets to be part of what makes Long Beach so special: its diversity. People of all backgrounds came out to watch local leaders, marching bands, community groups and business floats of all kinds honor the legacy of Dr. King and his message.

Long Beach Airport was there too, proudly, with the popular “airplane” golf cart carrying volunteers, and a support car following behind with goodies like pom-poms and toy planes to pass out to the crowd. The airplane cart even had somewhat of a second debut, showing off a brand new nosecone with a spinning plastic propeller and realistic-looking exhaust pipes – masterfully designed and built by maintenance assistant, Harley Alcorn. With both vehicles displaying "Airport" across their sides, it sent a clear message that LGB is a proud member of the local community.

Kenyon Labostrie spreads toys along the route.

The parade route traveled north along Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue for over a mile, through part of Cambodia Town and right past the iconic Long Beach Poly High football field, then across Pacific Coast Highway and into Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Along the way, the LGB crew in both cars – themselves an extremely diverse group – handed out hundreds of toys to neighborhood children as they waved and cheered. Finally, the “airplane” touched down for the day in front of a bronze statue of Dr. King himself, that welcomed one and all to a concert and carnival that lasted into the evening.

Long Beach Airport was honored to have a presence at yet another fantastic MLK Parade, and looks forward to participating in the event for years to come.

Gloria Curry, Kim McMahon and Desiree Farr lead the way.

Carmen Rivera hands out toy planes to local children.