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.
Avondale
MLK Day Displays
Avondale libraries at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive and 495 E. Western Ave.
In 2009: Week of January 12
Chandler
Celebration of Unity Luncheon
Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort and Conference Center, 1 S. San Marcos Place
In 2009: Friday, January 16
American Soul & Rock & Roll Choir
Chandler Center for the Arts
In 2009: Friday, January 16
Chandler Multicultural Festival
Chandler Public Library Courtyard, 22 S. Delaware St.
In 2009: Saturday, January 17
Gilbert
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Town of Gilbert MLK Celebration
Mesquite High School, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In 2009: Friday, January 23
Mesa
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Candlelight Service
Cornerstone Christian Church, Mesa
In 2009: Friday, January 16
Night of Tribute
Westwood High School Auditorium
In 2009: Saturday, January 17
MLK Breakfast
Mesa Marriott
In 2009: Monday, January 19
MLK Parade
Downtown Mesa
In 2009: Monday, January 19
Tempe
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MLK Diversity Awards Brunch
The Buttes Resort
In 2009: Monday, January 19
MLK Basketball Classic
Mesa Community College and ASU Wells Fargo Arena
In 2009: Saturday, January 17 and Monday, January 19
Glendale
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day Luncheon
Glendale Civic Center
In 2009: Friday, January 16
Phoenix
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Program and Breakfast
Phoenix Convention Center
In 2009: ?
Dr. Martin Luther King March
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.
In 2009: ?
Scottsdale
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Scottsdale Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration
Tina Brown, the founder of Sistas of AZ, and Lin Ling Lee, principal of CEFC Chinese School, will be honored at the event. Susan L. Taylor, editor emerita of Essence Magazine and founder of the National Cares Mentoring Movement, will be the keynote speaker.
Chaparral Suites
In 2009: Friday, January 9
Peace and Community Day – A Day of Unity
a diverse selection of entertainment, arts and crafts, family activities, food, refreshments and community information. There also will be a screening at 1 p.m. of “Brother Outsider,” the award-winning documentary by Bennett Singer on the life of civil rights era strategist Bayard Rustin. Free admission. Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Pete Pancrazi Quartet; 2 to 4:30 p.m. - Dennis Rowland.
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
In 2009: Sunday, January 18
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.

