AURORA | Aurora’s month-long celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. continues, bringing a presentation of music, dance and film to the city in honor of the civil rights icon.
Themed “Capturing the Dream,” the series of events will reflect on the life of the Georgia-born Baptist minister and activist, who emerged as one of the most prominent voices for Black civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s before he was assassinated in 1968.
“We feel a profound sense of privilege in orchestrating this event series, a heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit and influence of Dr. King,” Aurora’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Sara Valencich said in a news release. “The realization of these impactful events is a testament to the shared vision and unwavering dedication of our invaluable community partners.”
City offices are closed today, honoring MLK Day. City and state officials held a wreathe ceremony Saturday at the MLK Jr. Library in Aurora.
Upcoming events honoring King include:
- Sunday, Jan. 14 — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service — Hosted by the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, this ecumenical worship service will pay homage to the legacy of King. 4 p.m., Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 S. Dayton St.
- Monday, Jan. 15 — 2024 MLK Marade — The annual march and parade honoring King will travel from Denver’s City Park to Civic Center Park on the anniversary of the reverend’s birthday in one of the nation’s largest MLK Day celebrations. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver.
- Monday, Jan. 15 — MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo — Celebrating the history of Black cowboys and the impact of African-Americans on the history of the American West, this annual event will bring together cowboys and cowgirls for a host of classic rodeo events. 6 p.m., Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St., Denver. Tickets available at NationalWestern.com/Rodeos.
- Tuesday, Jan. 23 — COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF AURORA MLK JR. LUNCHEON — Join other community members at the Community College of Aurora for this lunch event honoring King’s legacy. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Community College of Aurora Rotunda, 16000 E. Centretech Parkway.
More information and up-to-date event details are available at AuroraGov.org/MLK. The city also invites residents to donate to local community and city programs through its affiliated Spirit of Aurora nonprofit at AuroraGov.org/SpiritOfAurora.