On Martin Luther King Day we honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s official holiday is Monday, January 15, 2024. The weekend prior and on Monday itself, you’ll find peace marches, parades, celebrations, talks, meals and more as the community comes together in a show of unity and service.
Source: Depositphotos
Here are some events we’ve heard about. We’ll add more as they come in.
Friday, January 5, 2024
Capturing the Dream – Youth Talent Showcase, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Youth 6 to 19 in age to showcase their talents including singing, dancing, art, acting, poetry and more! Event partners: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Aurora Chapter and Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA).
Monday, January 8, 2024
Opening Celebration, Prayer Vigil and Proclamation Reading, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Aurora Municipal Center Lobby, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora
An opening celebration featuring dance, music and theatre to celebrate MLK Jr.’s legacy. Refreshments to be provided followed by an interfaith prayer vigil and the reading of the MLK commemoration proclamation.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Wreath-laying Ceremony, 11 a.m. to noon
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Community Service Project, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Help assemble and sort hygiene kits and care items for Aurora Public Schools students/families in need.
Event partner: Iron Sharp Community Foundation.
Monday, January 15
Denver MLK Celebration & Marade, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The marade (a combo of march and parade) starts at E. Colfax Ave. (at Columbine) south of City Park. Participants strut their stuff straight west along Colfax, ending three miles later at Civic Center Park’s Greek Theater.
The event is preceded by a 9:30 a.m. program honoring Dr. King at the I Have a Dream Memorial, with the actual walk stepping off at about 10:45 a.m.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program immediately follows the Marade, in Civic Center Park’s Greek Theater. Entertainment and festivities should run until about 1 p.m.
Lafayette’s MLK Day March For Peace, 10 a.m. to noon
Angevine Middle School, 1150 W. South Boulder Rd., Lafayette
A pre-march family-friendly celebration with guest performances and speakers begins at 10 a.m. at the Middle School. The March for Peace begins at 11:30 a.m. at the school’s north parking lot.
MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo, 6 p.m.
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St., Denver
Celebrate the history and heritage of America’s black cowboy honoring the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western Heritage.
Tuesday, January 16
Spirituals: The Root of American Music, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Montview Blvd., Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St., Denver
The Pacifica Quartet and soprano Karen Slack join with The Spirituals Project Choir and Montview Westminster Choir for an exploration of the Spiritual and the critical role it played in the origins of American music. Free admission.