East Bay Congresswoman Lateefah Simon made an appearance at Piedmont’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration on Monday, joining keynote speaker Ericka Huggins and local leaders including Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen in remembering the fallen civil rights leader. This year’s theme was “Separate is Never Equal: Fight Injustice” from a speech that Dr. King gave in 1966, when he called on people to never feel comfortable with any form of segregation, tyranny, or supremacy.
The speakers encouraged attendees to continue fighting for civil rights and attendees called it an inspiring and uplifting day. Former Black Panther Huggins was interviewed by PHS student and co-president of the African Affinity Student Union Hunter Fastau, and talked about the power of meditation and finding inner calm – skills she learned while in jail. Simon told the crowd that she was intent on representing MLK’s values in DC.
The event also included performances by the Oakland Youth Chamber Chorus and Destiny Arts Junior Dance Company.
Other local officials in attendance were Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and San Leandro Mayor Juan Gonzalez.
President of PADC Ellen Lee, 
MLK Day event founder Lois Corrin with Ellen Lee 
Jean Takazawa delivers a land acknowledgement 
Performers with Destiny Arts Junior Dance Company 
Dancers with Destiny Arts, Junior Dance Company 
Performers with Destiny Arts Dance Company 
Oakland Youth Chamber Chorus 
Samuel Bahala and Naylah Kasaun, students and members of the African Affinity Student Union 
Former mayor Jen Cavenaugh, Councilmember Conna McCarthy,
Councilmember Jennifer Long, Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, and Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen
Former Black Panther Ericka Huggins in conversation with Hunter Fastau, PHS student and co-president of African Affinity Student Union
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon 
Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen makes remarks 
