The Richmond Hill MLK Observance Committee hosted its fifth annual MLK Unity Day Celebration on Saturday, January 17.

This year there was a 'Unity Walk' to celebrate the spirit and enduring legacy of Dr. King. The walk began at City Hall with plenty in attendance and ended at the J.F. Gregory Park Pavilion.

In recent years, the Committee chose to do a parade, but for 2026 they chose instead to shake things up a bit by doing a Unity Walk.

Johnnie Quiller, a member of the MLK Observance Committee, put a strong emphasis on the idea of unity that was part of Dr. King's legacy.

"This is the vision of Dr. King," Quiller said. "In of his speeches, he said that he had a vision of seeing blacks and whites together and that's what we want to achieve."

Sharon Muhammad, a volunteer for the committee, shared her passion for the event and also echoed Quiller's sentiments on the concept of unity that the event brings by having Richmond Hill join as one.

"I love celebrating what Dr. King has done," Muhammad said. "It doesn't matter what your race is. We can say we are a community together."

Sawaner Tucker, secretary for the MLK Committee, has been a part of the event since its inception, and still feels gratified and overwhelmed by the response the event receives each year. 

"It feels awesome," Tucker said. "The diversity says enough."

Special awards were also given out at the EV such as former Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter receiving the Unity and Service Award and Dr. Karen Boles receiving the Keeper of the Flame Award. The Peruvian Roots of Savannah also put on a dance for those in attendance.

Several vendors and food trucks were also part of the celebration. They included:

Chazito's

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies 

The Corn Dog Company 

Coastal Rousters 

Divine Jewelers 

On-the-Go Mediation 

NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), Coastal Georgia Area Section 

Dr. Farm Organic Juices 

Love by the Pound 

FabJewels4You

Richmond Hill Bounce and Slide