Carrying the Torch
By: Bro. Dexter Egleston, Associate Editor to the Sphinx
Each year, San Diego bears witness to one of the most vibrant and purposeful tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: the 43rd Annual San Diego MLK Parade, Health Festival, and 5K Fun Run. More than just a celebration, this event is a living testament to the unwavering commitment of those who refuse to let Dr. King’s dream fade. At the heart of this mission stands the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., alongside the San Diego Alpha Foundation. For decades, these Brothers have not only honored Dr. King’s memory but have actively advanced his call to justice, unity, and community empowerment.
Their work goes far beyond ceremonial duties. From orchestrating scholarship programs that uplift young Black scholars to ensuring a seamless and impactful parade experience, the fraternity embodies the belief that legacy is not something to be remembered—it is something to be carried forward, with purpose and action.
A Legacy Earned: Coretta Scott King’s Endorsement and the Weight of Responsibility
The origins of this parade are not just rooted in admiration for Dr. King but in a charge given by the very family who bore the weight of his legacy. In its early years, the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter sought not just to organize a tribute but to ensure it carried the weight of authenticity and reverence. To do so, the Brothers extended an invitation to none other than Coretta Scott King herself, seeking her blessing and approval.
The tribute was no mere formality. Coretta Scott King, a tireless advocate in her own right, did not lend her name lightly. She saw in these Brothers a commitment to her husband’s mission—not in word, but in action. She came to California in person to endorse the parade, transforming it from a local gathering to a sacred obligation. Her presence was not just symbolic, but also a symbol of a torch passing and a call to responsibility that the men of Alpha Phi Alpha have borne ever since.
The approval of Coretta Scott King placed a profound duty on the fraternity. It meant that the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter was now charged with upholding the integrity of Dr. King’s message, ensuring that his legacy was not diluted but strengthened with each passing year. These brothers bear the responsibility of ensuring excellence in every aspect of the parade, festival, and 5K.
The Grit Behind the Glory: What It Takes to Make This Event Happen
For the community, the parade is a joyous occasion, filled with music, unity, and celebration. But for those who make it happen, it is a testament to months of relentless dedication, problem-solving, and sacrifice. Under the leadership of Brother Samuels, the fraternity worked tirelessly to ensure that each detail—from securing permits to coordinating vendors, volunteers, and logistics—was executed flawlessly.
Organizing a parade of this scale is no simple feat. Every year presents new challenges, from fundraising hurdles to last-minute changes in city regulations. But the commitment never wavers. A singular understanding fuels it: this is not just an event, but a duty.
This year, that duty resulted in record-breaking success:
745 participants in the 5K Fun Run
97 parade registrations
49 dedicated vendors
Over 100 organizations participating
These numbers are more than statistics; they represent lives impacted, scholarships funded, and a growing legacy that refuses to be forgotten.
Beyond the Parade: A Commitment to Health and Wellness
Understanding that Dr. King’s dream extends beyond civil rights and into the very well-being of Black communities, the fraternity expanded the event to include the MLK Health Festival and 5K Run/Walk.
In partnership with healthcare professionals, nonprofits, and wellness organizations, the festival provides free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, and educational resources aimed at empowering the community to take charge of their health. This initiative transforms the event from a moment of celebration to a movement of action, ensuring that attendees not only honor Dr. King’s words but embody his call to uplift the community in tangible ways.
A Leader Among Leaders: Honoring Fire Chief Robert Logan
In 2025, the parade was led by a man who himself has broken barriers: Fire Chief Robert Logan, the third African American to hold this position in the department’s 134-year history. A native San Diegan, Chief Logan grew up in Lincoln Park, near Fire Station 12, where he first found his inspiration to become a firefighter.
To be one of only three Black men to hold this prestigious position is no small feat. It places him in a revered group of leaders, each carrying the responsibility of representation, resilience, and community service. Logan’s journey from the very streets of San Diego to one of the highest positions in the city’s fire department speaks to his deep-rooted dedication to this community. His presence as Grand Marshal was not just a celebration of his career but a reminder that leadership is built upon service, and true progress is achieved when those who break barriers turn back to lift others with them.
His selection as Grand Marshal underscored the fraternity’s ongoing commitment to lifting as we climb, ensuring that young Black professionals have the mentorship and institutional support needed to follow in his footsteps and surpass them.
The Torch Has Been Passed. Will We Carry It Forward?
Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.” His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a call to action in the present.
The San Diego MLK Parade is not just a moment of reflection—it is an invitation to participate in history. It is proof that progress is made not by remembering, but by doing. Although the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter has responded to the call, the work remains far from complete.
Now, the question is: Will you answer it too?
Volunteer to support next year’s event.
Donate to fund scholarships for young Black students.
Show up and march, run, or stand in solidarity.
Dr. King’s dream is only alive as long as we are willing to fight for it. The Brothers of Zeta Sigma Lambda have carried the torch forward—but we are calling on everyone to keep it burning bright.
The legacy is in our hands. Let us honor it not with words, but with action.
