MLK Day 2024: Honor Dr. King's legacy at these metro Phoenix marches, parades, concerts

As Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, the significance of honoring the iconic civil rights leader's legacy resonates deeply.

Celebrated annually, MLK Day not only commemorates King's contributions to the American civil rights movement but also serves as a call to action for fostering equality, justice and community engagement.

This day encourages individuals to reflect on the progress and ongoing work needed to achieve King's dream of a just and equitable society. Events in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale and more invite people to take part, fostering a sense of unity and understanding.

From commemorative services and worship gatherings to concerts, parades and community service projects, here are MLK Day 2024 events throughout metro Phoenix.

When is MLK Day 2024? Here's this year's theme and what the day symbolizes

MLK Diversity Awards

The MLK Diversity Awards, hosted by Tempe and the Human Relations Commission, celebrate individuals and organizations dedicated to diversity and inclusion in alignment with King's vision. Keynote speaker is Kenja Hassan, assistant vice president for cultural relations at Arizona State University, who is recognized for fostering relationships with diverse communities and contributing to social causes. Tickets can be purchased online.

Details: 7:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2100 S. Priest Drive, Tempe. $10. tempe.gov.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Dinner Celebration

The 30th annual MLK Celebration Dinner honors the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with nationally renowned speakers representing diverse perspectives.

Details: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. The Fieldhouse at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road. Starting at $100 per person. ccdarizona.org.

2024 Arizona MLK Awards Celebration

The Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee is commemorating its 38th year of emphasizing cultural diversity, awareness and unity. The committee invites all Arizonans to join in recognizing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the pursuit of equality for all.

Details: 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Phoenix Convention Center South Building, 33 S. Third St. $100 per person in advance; $150 at the door. arizonamlk.wixsite.com.

MLK Day 2024 deals: Get free admission to Arizona's most beloved national, state parks

Chandler Multicultural Festival

The Multicultural Festival marks its 29th year as a testament to Chandler's commitment to honoring community heritage, diversity and King's ideals. There will be music, dance, art and storytelling performances as well as vendors and food for sale. The event is part of the Celebration of Unity, which will announce the winners of the Creative Expression Competition and the second annual MLK Jr. Awards.

Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.

MLK Day of Celebration and Service in Surprise

Surprise's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration will feature local musicians, performers and speakers. An 2024 MLK Art and Essay Competition has invited submissions showcasing the impact of King's legacy. Food trucks will be available. The event 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.

Details: 8 a.m.-noon p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Vista Center for the Arts, 15660 N. Parkview Place, Surprise. Free. 623-222-1647, surpriseaz.gov.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service in Tempe

Honor King's legacy at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, where this gathering will emphasize a commitment to embodying King's vision, encouraging nonviolent practices and efforts to build a beloved community.

Details: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. King of Glory Lutheran Church 2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Free. gcsynod.org.

The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. — Pinnacle Concert Series

The Pinnacle Concerts Series presents "The Legacy of MLK," a free concert commemorating King's 95th birthday. The event aims to explore and honor his legacy through music and readings from his era and beyond.

Details: 3-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Free. pinnaclepres.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Festival in Phoenix

The MLK Day 2024 march will start at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church and end at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Marchers will assemble at the church at 8:45 a.m. Monday; the march starts at 9. Following the march, the MLK Festival will take place at Hance Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional events presented by the Arizona MLK Celebration Committee include a basketball tournament and a candlelight service at Pilgrim Rest. See the website for details.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. azmlk.org.

Mesa-East Valley MLK celebration parade and festival

The Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2024 Parade and Festival invites participants to unite under the theme of "Transforming Communities: Building Bridges Together." The parade, including marching bands, dance troupes, local organizations and community leaders, kicks off at MLK Way and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, proceeding to the plaza at Mesa City Center. The festival offers food, vendors and entertainment. Mesa's downtown museums will be open with discounted admission on MLK Day.

Details: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Center Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Mesa. Free. mesaevmlk.org.

MLK March on West

Arizona State University's West campus will host the 33rd annual MLK March on West. The event celebrates King's legacy and commemorates the historic 1963 March on Washington. The March on West is open to students, ASU community members and the public. There will be presentations on the history of the civil rights movement, a musical program and a rendition of King's "I Have a Dream" speech by ASU faculty members.

Details: 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Jan. 17. Arizona State University West Campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale. Free. mlk.asu.edu.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: MLK Day 2024 events in Phoenix: Parades, marches, concerts