On Martin Luther King Day we honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s official holiday is Monday, January 16, 2023. 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.
Here are some events we’ve heard about. We’ll add more as they come in.
Saturday, January 14
Town Center at Aurora Day of Service Food Drive, noon to 2 p.m.
14200 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora
Members of the community can donate cans and non-perishable food items to the SECOR food bank outside of the Food Court Entrance at the Town Center. Examples of foods to donate:
- Baby food
- Reduced-sodium broth and soups
- Spaghetti sauce, salsa and canned beans, including baked beans
- Whole grain or enriched pasta and instant rice
- Boxed noodle and rice dishes
- Canned meats and fish such as chicken, ham, beef, tuns and salmon
- Canned vegetables, especially those without added salt
Youth Summit, noon to 2 p.m.
Empower Community High School, 450 S Chambers Rd., Aurora
Hosted by NAACP, Aurora Chapter & YAASPA.
Guest speakers. Lunch provided.
Monday, January 16
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.
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring Dr. King, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MLK Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
No One Should Be Hungry, Period: MLK Free Dinner and Resource Fair, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center, Dayton Street Opportunity Center, and Centura Health
No registration required, just show up
MLK Jr. 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.