As MLK Day draws near, it is meaningful to pay tribute to the renowned civil rights figure’s legacy.
Every year, MLK Day is celebrated as a way to honor the contributions of King to the civil rights movement in the US.
Many cities in the valley such as Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Glendale are hosting events to bring people together and promote understanding.
In the metro Phoenix area, MLK Day 2024 will have a variety of activities, including memorial services, religious services, musical performances, marches, and volunteer opportunities.
MLK Awards Honoring Diversity
The Tempe Human Relations Commission is hosting the MLK Diversity Awards, which honor those who strive to follow the principles of inclusion and diversity that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated. Keynote speaker Kenja Hassan, Arizona State University’s assistant vice president for cultural relations, is being acknowledged for her work in building relationships with various groups and her commitment to social causes. Tickets can be bought online.
The MLK Diversity Awards Breakfast will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 2100 S. Priest Drive in Tempe. Admission is $10 and can be found at tempe.gov.
Commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Through a Community Dinner
To commemorate the 30th year since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s passing, a special celebration dinner is being held featuring speakers from a variety of backgrounds sharing their thoughts on his legacy.
At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 11th, a special event will take place at the Fieldhouse at Scottsdale Stadium, located at 7408 E. Osborn Road. Admission begins at $100 per person and more information is available on ccdarizona.org.
Celebration of the MLK Awards in Arizona in 2024
This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee. All Arizonans are encouraged to take part in the event and pay homage to the legacy of Dr. King and his work towards true equality.
The event will take place at 7 a.m. on Friday, January 12th at the Phoenix Convention Center South Building, located on 33 S. Third St. Tickets are $100 if purchased in advance, and $150 if purchased at the door. For more information, please visit arizonamlk.wixsite.com.
Celebrating Multiculturalism at the Chandler Festival
To commemorate 29 years of Chandler’s dedication to celebrating culture, heritage, and the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Multicultural Festival will be held. Along with musical and dance performances, art, and spoken word, there will also be vendors and food for sale. The event is a part of the Celebration of Unity, which will announce the victors of the Creative Expression Contest and the 2nd MLK Jr. Awards.
The Chandler Multicultural Festival will take place from 11am-6pm on Saturday, January 13th at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park (located at 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. in Chandler). Admission is free. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov.
Commemorating MLK in Surprise with Festivities and Community Work
The City of Surprise is hosting a MLK Day event this year featuring local performers, musicians, and speakers. Additionally, a 2024 MLK Art and Essay Competition has been established and is open for submissions. Food trucks will also be present. The celebration is hosted by Susan Casper, host of “Sonoran Living” on ABC15 and a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter.
On Saturday, Jan. 13 from 8am to 12pm, the Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, AZ (located at 15660 N. Parkview Place) will be hosting a free MLK Day of Celebration event. For more information, call 623-222-1647 or visit surpriseaz.gov.
A ceremony in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held in Tempe to commemorate him.
At King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, this gathering will focus on taking on King’s legacy, emphasizing nonviolent practices and working together to create a beloved community.
From 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, January 14th, the King of Glory Lutheran Church, located at 2085 E. Southern Avenue in Tempe, will be hosting an event which is free of charge. More information can be found on the GCSynod.org website.
The Pinnacle Concert Series Celebrates the Lasting Impact of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Pinnacle Concerts Series has organized a musical event in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. for his 95th birthday. This free concert intends to celebrate his legacy through the music and writings from the time of his life and afterwards.
Event: Pinnacle Concerts Series: The Legacy of MLK.
Time: Sunday, Jan. 14, 3-4 p.m.
Location: Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, located at 25150 N. Pima Road in Scottsdale.
Admission: Free.
Website: pinnaclepres.org.
A parade and festival for the celebration of the MLK holiday in Mesa-East Valley
In 2024, the Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Parade and Festival will be taking place, with participants coming together in solidarity under the banner of “Transforming Communities: Building Bridges Together”. The parade — featuring marching bands, dance groups, local organizations, and community leaders — will start at MLK Way and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, and end at the plaza at Mesa City Center. Meanwhile, the festival will offer food, vendors, and entertainment, while downtown museums will be open with discounted admission.
The celebration will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 15th at the intersection of Center Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Mesa. Admission to the event is free and can be found on the Mesa EVMLK website.
Dr. King’s Demonstration in the West
On West campus of Arizona State University, the 33rd annual MLK March will be taking place. This event is to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remember the historic March on Washington of 1963. All members of the public, ASU students and members of the school’s community are invited to take part. There will be discussions about the civil rights movement, a musical performance and a reading of King’s renowned “I Have a Dream” speech by faculty of the university.
Wednesday, January 17th from 9:00am-12:00pm at Arizona State University West Campus (4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale); this event is free of charge. For more information, please visit mlk.asu.edu.
