Phoenix Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy

Each year on the third Monday of January citizens of our country take time to recognize and celebrate the birth, the life and the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here are some of the events being held in the greater Phoenix area where you can take time out to acknowledge the value of diversity, the progress we've made toward freedom and equality for all people, and continued efforts to strengthen our communities.

Chandler

Chandler Celebration of Unity
Chandler Public Library Courtyard
In 2012: Saturday, January 14

Glendale

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day Luncheon
Glendale Civic Center
In 2012: Friday, January 13

Mesa

Candlelight Ceremony
Mesa Community College, Kirk Student Union, 1833 West Southern Ave., Mesa
In 2012: Friday, January 13

MLK Dinner Banquet
Mesa Community College, Kirk Student Union, Navajo Room, 1833 West Southern Ave., Mesa
The keynote speaker is Kim Covington, 12 News Anchor. Kim received numerous awards for her broadcasting work, including several Best of Gannett and Emmy awards for reporting.
In 2012: Saturday, January 14

MLK Parade and Festival
Downtown Mesa
The parade will begin at University and Center and proceed to the Mesa Arts Center. 11 a.m.
In 2012: Monday, January 16

Community Festival
Mesa Arts Center
Community celebration including music, dance, food, retail, and information on job opportunities, health, outreach programs and youth area for kids.
In 2012: Monday, January 16

MLK Basketball Classic
Mesa Community College
In 2012: Saturday, January 14

Peoria

Evening With a King Tribute Dinner
Dr. Harold Bailey, New Mexico, Executive Director of African American Affairs, will be the keynote presenter.
Rio Vista Community Park and Recreation Center
In 2012: Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m.

Phoenix

Martin Luther King Jr. Torch Run
Students from Edison Elementary School will officially open this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Awards Breakfast with a 3.5 mile “Flame of Hope” Torch Run through downtown Phoenix. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton will kick off the Torch Run at Phoenix City Hall. Phoenix Police officers will join the students as they depart from City Hall running west to the State Capitol, then east to US Airways arena and finally north to the Sheraton Hotel where they will present the torch and open the annual breakfast event.
In 2012: Friday, January 13 at 6 a.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards Breakfast
Proceeds will benefit Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) and scholarships to deserving students in the Phoenix community. Call for information 480-767-3877. Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. Third St., Phoenix.
In 2012: Friday, January 13 at 7 a.m.

Dr. Martin Luther King MLK March and Parade
Assemble at 9 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 East Jefferson Street. Festival at 10 a.m. at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park. For more information, call 602-495-0950.
In 2012: January 16

MLK Basketball Classic
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix
In 2012: Monday, January 16

Scottsdale

Scottsdale Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration
Emmy award-winning journalist John Quiñones headlines the event. For 25 years he has reported extensively for ABC News, predominantly serving as a correspondent for "Primetime" and “20/20.”
Chaparral Suites, Scottsdale
In 2012: Thursday, January 12

Surprise

Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
Dr. Irene Kovala, President of Glendale Community College, will be the keynote presenter.
Sun City Grand Cimarron Center, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd, Surprise
In 2012: Thursday, January 5 at 8 a.m.

Tempe

MLK Diversity Awards Brunch
The Buttes Resort, Tempe
In 2012: Monday, January 16

ASU's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Celebrate Dr. King's life by serving at the Tiger Mountain Foundation's Garden of Tomorrow. Tiger Mountain Foundation is a nonprofit that creates and maintains community gardens in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the Phoenix metro area. Volunteers will be doing various tasks in the garden including weeding, picking vegetables and creating new gardening plots. ASU students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to participate. Lunch will be provided. Transportation available to ASU students from all campuses. Free, but registration required.
ASU Student Union, Tempe
In 2012: Monday, January 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MLK Basketball Classic
ASU Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe
In 2012: Monday, January 16

Regional Unity Walk
Walking for unity in our communities to promote mutual respect and understanding. Families, community organizations, scout groups, schools, and faith groups are encouraged to participate. Walkers are encouraged to carry signs and banners representing their groups. Hosted By City of Tempe, Arizona State University, City of Chandler, City of Mesa, City of Phoenix, City of Scottsdale and the Town of Guadalupe. No registration required. Free.
Various starting locations
In 2012: Saturday, February 4 at 10 a.m.

Arizona's National Parks

Free Admission to National Parks
All 397 national parks in the U.S. will offer free admission to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here is a map and list of Arizona's National Parks.
In 2012: Saturday, January 14 through Monday, January 16

_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}