Photos by Nikol Anderson

The community turned out for a great event to kick off 2011 Peace Week when several local organizations partnered with We Love Long Beach to host a free breakfast at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Saturday morning.

Local non-profit and Long Beach Post contributors We Love Long Beach continued their efforts to provide free breakfasts in all areas of the city, and were helped by partnerships with Farmer John to provide sausages and volunteers from Weed & Seed and other local groups. The office of 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews was instrumental in spreading the word and Councilmember Andrews was on hand to thank all involved. An information booth was hosted by Food Finders, who also announced that they have achieved their goal of raising 100,000 pounds of food for the needy.

That evening, a candlelight vigil was held to celebrate and promote peace. The next week of Peace Week events is held in honor of the life of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and will culminate with the 23rd annual MLK Parade and Festival next Saturday from 10:30am-12:30pm. The parade weaves through central Long Beach and will end at King Park, with a celebration that lasts until 5:00pm.