Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.
This year, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 18th 2016.
Celebrate the life and achievements of this extraordinary man with special events in Denver!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2016 Denver
Sunday, January 10th 2016
30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
Aurora’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration celebrates its 30th year in 2016 with events from Jan. 10th through Jan. 27th 2016.
Aurora was the first city in Colorado to host week-long events honoring the timeless message of Dr. King. Join the city to celebrate the life and legacy of one man’s dream of freedom and equality for all. This year’s theme is “The Promise of Democracy: Breaking Barriers and Borders.”
The 30th Annual Commemoration features special guest the Rev. John L. Thompson of Columbia, S.C., former senior pastor of Park Hill United Methodist Church in Denver and former chaplain for the Colorado Senate, who walked with King in support of civil rights.
Click here to view the full schedule of events!
Tuesday, January 12th 2016
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert & Humanitarian Awards
Location: Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St, Denver 80202
Time: 7:30pm
The Colorado Symphony is hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert & Humanitarian Awards at Boettcher Concert Hall. Now in its 25th year, this annual celebration recognizes four humanitarian leaders who live and lead in the example of peace and equality exemplified by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Admission is free, but tickets are required for admission. Tickets are available, in person, at the Boettcher Concert Hall Box Office. All seating is general admission and a ticket does not guarantee a seat.
Saturday, January 16th 2016
Black History Month Film Series – “Selma”
Location: Peoples Presbyterian Church, 2780 York St., Denver 80205
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Peoples Presbyterian Church will be screening the film “Selma“. The unforgettable true story chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay’s “Selma” tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history.
Free admission.
Monday, January 18th 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘Marade’ (March & Parade) City Park
Celebrate the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march and rally in the United States. Participants gather at City Park and march to Civic Center Park, where a large rally commemorates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Marade formation will begin immediately following the 10:00 a.m. program. The Marade will start at 10:45am. sharp from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I HAVE A DREAM MEMORIAL in City Park, under direction from the podium.
The Marade will proceed south out of City Park by way of Esplanade St. to Colfax Avenue; then west on Colfax Avenue to Sherman St into the State Capitol grounds; South to Broadway to Civic Center Park. Motorized vehicles will proceed south on Broadway to 14th Ave. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program immediately follows the Marade, in Civic Center Park’s Greek Theater. The Total Distance Equals 5K.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade Map 2016 Denver
Free Day at Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park covers 415 square miles in north central Colorado. The town of Estes Park serves as the eastern gateway into the park. Grand Lake serves as the western gateway. Click Here for directions.
Rocky Mountain National Park includes some of the highest mountains in the continental United States. The top third of the park encompasses the alpine tundra, a windswept land above the trees. Landscapes on either side of the Continental Divide feature alpine lakes, forested valleys and a wide range of plants and animals. Iconic summer thunderstorms and persistent winter winds are among the forces that continue to shape this majestic landscape.
On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2016 entrance to the park is FREE.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a Baptist minister and social activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Inspired by advocates of nonviolence such as Mahatma Gandhi, King sought equality for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986.
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?