Recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

While a national holiday (and a school holiday for us), this day is a “day on,” not a day off. In fact, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. 

We invite each member of our community to do something that honors Dr. King's life’s work. This page contains many opportunities to learn, connect, and give back.

- MLK The Man (Austin Area Heritage Council)

- About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (The King Center)

The National Museum of African American History & Culture details the 15 year battle to make Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a holiday.

On the National Civil Rights Museum website, Dr Ibram X. Kendi writes, “If King’s well-known dream symbolized the glorious march of racial progress over the last five decades, then King’s unknown nightmare symbolized the inglorious march of racist progress over the last five decades.”  

In a New York Times interview, bell hooks reflects on philosophy and race: “I always think, ‘What does Martin Luther King want me to do today?’ Then I decide what Martin Luther King wants me to do today is to go out into the world and in every way that I can, small and large, build a beloved community."

The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 9 a.m.with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus.

At the conclusion of the program at the MLK Statue, we will march to the south steps of the Capitol for a rally.

After the Capitol program, the march will proceed to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. Click here for more information.

When: Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 East Hopkins Street, San Marcos

Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Discover new books, art, videos, and crafts, and create your own poster for the upcoming annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March, along with other fun crafts to learn and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a family friendly event. They’ll have lots to do for children ages pre-k through middle school! All craft materials and snacks will be provided.

When: Monday, January 16 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Where: Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury Street

In honor of Martin Luther King Day 2023, please bring donations to the Pease Park Conservancy MLK Day Food Drive supporting Central Texas Food Bank! Conservancy staff and volunteers will be at the picnic tables collecting donations between 12 and 5 p.m. Most needed items include peanut butter, canned chicken breast or tuna, canned low sodium vegetables, fruit in its own juice, dry pinto beans, brown rice, dry pasta, non-fat dry milk powder, 100% whole grain cereal, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and canned entrees.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. While Dr. King believed the Beloved Community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systemic change. His example is our call to action. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. See nationwide events with Americorp at this link.

Join the United Way for community service opportunities on Monday, January 16:

When: Friday, January 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District

Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District will guide you as you explore the Austin area that was originally created to segregate the Black community in 1928. Learn about East Austin, and how this neighborhood played a critical role in forming this city that we know today. The walk starts at The George Carver Museum.