Aurora’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration celebrates its 34th year in 2020, with the theme "The Words Ring On." Join us for events honoring the life and legacy of MLK Jr. and how his message of hope and unity carry on today.
Schedule of Events
SUNDAY, JAN. 12
Interfaith Service
Hosted by Aurora Community of Faith
4 p.m., Heritage Christian Center, 14401 E. Exposition Ave.
MONDAY, JAN. 13
Prayer Vigil
Hosted aby Aurora Community of Faith
5:30 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
MLK Jr. Commemoration Opening Ceremony
Hosted by city of Aurora Community Relations
6:30 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
WEDNESDAY, JAN 15
MLK Jr. Community Celebration – “The Words Ring On”
Featuring a performance by Grammy-winning artist Dorinda Clark-Cole. Admission is free, and no RSVP is required. "The Words Ring On" also will feature:
- Human Relations Commission MLK Jr. Legacy Award
- City of Aurora Community Relations Division Community Spirit Award
- National anthem by saxophonist Harold Rapp III
- Reading by Aurora Poet Laureate Assetou Xango
- Announcement of The Words Ring On Art, Poetry & Essay Contest winners
- Reading of "I Have a Dream" in multiple languages by Global Village Academy students
6 p.m., Heritage Event Center, 14401 E. Exposition Ave.
FRIDAY, JAN. 17
MLK Jr. Prayer Breakfast
Hosted by Aurora Community of Faith
8 a.m., The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets required ($15); contact pgreg22@yahoo.com
MONDAY, JAN. 20
Motorcade and Wreath-laying
Hosted by city of Aurora Community Relations
7 a.m., gather at Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
7:30 a.m., motorcade departs led by Aurora Police Department
8 a.m., program and wreath-laying, Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
8:30 a.m., departure to Marade in Denver
MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo of Champions
Sponsored by city of Aurora Community Relations
6 p.m., National Western Center, Denver
Tickets required
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 303.739.7280.
Sponsors of the 34th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration include:
- Stapleton MCA
- Global Village Academy
- Aurora Public Libraries
- Salud Family Health
- Rotary Club of Aurora
- Black Employees for a Better Aurora (BEFABA)
Highlights from 2018 Commemoration (click to expand)
TV Forum - Community of Faith
Aurora News Weekly Coverage
32nd Annual Commemoration Program
Highlights from 2017 Commemoration (click to expand)
Opening Ceremony Performance
More Love and Kindness Event
TV Forum - Voters' Rights
TV Forum - Freedom of Speech
TV Forum - Adopting Nonviolence
TV Forum - Immigrants & Refugees
AuroraTV - MLK Commemoration Coverage
AuroraTV - Opening Ceremony Coverage
31st Annual Commemoration Program
Highlights from 2016 Commemoration (click to expand)
AuroraTV interview with Dr. Barbara Shannon-Banister
Poet Laureate Jovan Mays at 2016 Opening Ceremony
30th Annual Commemoration Program
At the Table dramatic production
Community Relations Division AuroraTV Forums
2016 Commemoration coverage on Aurora News Weekly