Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute and Humanitarian Awards
When: Jan. 9 – 7:30 pm
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
Known as the most prominent spokesperson and leader in the American civil rights movement, Dr. King remains one of the most inspirational figures in history for his pursuit of equal rights and his nonviolent approach to civil rights protests. The evening will feature special guest performances and will honor recipients of the 2024 Humanitarian Awards.
MLK Peace Breakfast
When: Jan. 12 – 8:30 am
Where: Metropolitan State University of Denver
The MLK Peace Breakfast was created to commemorate the philosophy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by promoting diversity and equality for all humanity, within our campus community and the Denver community at large. The principal feature of the MLK Peace Breakfast is the awards ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates individuals within MSU Denver and the Denver community who keep the spirit and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive through their actions and contributions to peace, justice, diversity, equality, and social change.
Maker Mornings: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When: Jan. 13 – 10:30 am
Join the Clyfford Still Museum to reflect on the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made around the world and make art based on their own “big dreams.” The program begins with bilingual story time in English and Spanish and movement activities in the galleries led by a librarian from Denver Public Library. Then, they will move to The Making Space hands-on art studio to create.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service
When: Sunday, Jan. 14 – 4 pm
Where: Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 South Dayton St, Aurora CO
MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo
When: Jan. 15 – 6 pm
Where: Historic Denver Coliseum
Celebrate the history and heritage of America’s Black cowboy honoring the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western heritage. The special MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo will showcase top cowboys and cowgirls competing in all your favorite pro rodeo events including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, ladies’ steer un-decorating, and many more.
Martin Luther King Marade (March and Parade) Schedule:
Jan. 15 – 9:30 am
This annual event is the only one of its kind in the nation.
City Park
9:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony
10:30 a.m. – Laying of the wreath
10:45 a.m. – Step off to Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park
Noon to 1 p.m. – Closing Ceremony & Resource Fair following the Marade
1 p.m. – Help clean up at the park or head out to other Dr. King service projects
Spirituals: The Root of American Music
Where: Jan. 16 – 7 pm
Where: 1980 Dahlia Street
In conjunction with Martin Luther King Day, the Pacifica Quartet and soprano Karen Slack join The Spirituals Project Choir and Montview’s Westminster Choir for an exploration of the Spiritual and the critical role it played in the origins of American Music. The free program will also provide an overview of the Reparations Royalty Pilot Program—a practice of valuing the musical contributions of persons of color.
2024 Denver Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Bike Ride Tour
When: Jan. 15 – 2 pm
Where: Civic Center Park
This bike tour stops by historic Black landmarks that tell the story of those who participated in fighting for justice, equality, and equity. Riders and rollers are encouraged to meet in Civic Center Park after the Marade for hot drinks, free basic bicycle checks, and robust conversation! The historical tour will begin at 2 p.m. and will be a five-mile loop that begins and ends in Civic Center Park.
Near Denver
Dr. King Jr. and the Radical Roots at the Heart of Justice
When: Jan. 15 – 2:30 pm
Where: The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Motus Theater’s second annual arts-based event inspiring action in alignment with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with musical guests The ReMINDers, the Director of the Center for African and African American Studies Dr. Reiland Rabaka, as well as performances by Motus monologists Candice Bailey and Jahmil Roberts.
Source: Denver.org
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Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is commemorated in The Mile High City every January with what has grown to be one of the largest MLK Jr. Day celebrations in the U.S. — even larger than that of Washington, D.C.!
