On Monday, Denver's annual Martin Luther King Jr. "Marade" will return with a live event for its 37th anniversary, after last year's event went virtual due to the pandemic.
The annual march/parade has become one of the largest MLK Day celebrations in the country since its inaugural ceremony in 1986. Every year, tens of thousands gather at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a Dream" Monument in City Park to honor King's legacy with a march from City Park to Civic Center Park. The event is meant to be both a celebration of recent victories in the fight against injustice and a continuation of efforts in the fight for civil rights.
The 2022 Marade theme is "The Security of Justice." This year, the Dr. MLK Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission will partner with Good Of All Foundation and the Colorado Educational Initiative to create a full weekend of Marade programming built around the march. Once again, the stretch of Colfax between City Park and Civic Center Park will be blocked off for the parade. And as always, the Commission be collecting donations for local charities.
Here are some of the ways you can participate.
FRIDAY
Aurora Community of Faith Prayer Breakfast
An annual interfaith prayer event hosted by Aurora Mental Health Center and Aurora Community of Faith that hosts lectures from special keynote speakers. This year's speaker is Mordecai Ian Brownlee, Ph.D., the President of the Community College of Aurora.
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Virtual event. You can join here.
SATURDAY
MLK Marshal Training for Marade
Every year, Marade marshals help make the Marade safer. Training includes information on bathroom stops, health aid check points and how to diffuse tense situations. Lunch will be served, and masks are required
When: 10 a.m. to 2 pm.
Where: Denver East High School, 1600 City Park Esplanade.
MLK Jr. Youth Summit
Hosted by NAACP Aurora & YAASPA, this MLK celebration invites youth to listen to guest speakers and enjoy a lunch. Register online.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Empower Community High School, 450 S. Chambers Rd.
SUNDAY
Interfaith Service
When: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: Greater Metropolitan Ministerial Alliance Heritage Christian Center, 14401 E Exposition Ave, Aurora.
MONDAY
Motorcade
Vehicle procession escorted by Aurora Police Department. RSVP to [email protected] to register a vehicle.
When: 7 a.m.
Where: Begins at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
When: 8 a.m.
Where: MLK Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Avenue, Aurora.
37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Marade
A march from City Park to Civic Center Park. The Commission will be collecting old non-perishable food and hygiene products to be donated to Food Bank of the Rockies, as well as clothing and children's books. They'll also collect old cell phones to be refurbished and donated organizations assisting victims of domestic violence. Masks required.
When: Gathering at 9 am. Program starts at 9:30.
Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a Dream" Monument, City Park. The Marade will stage in the City Park Esplanade and start at E Colfax at Columbine.
Dr. Martin L. King Jr. CO Holiday Commission & Brother Jeff's Cultural Center Annual Feed the Hungry
When: 2 p.m
Where: Martin L. King Jr. Library, 9898 E Colfax Ave, Aurora.
Volunteers of America's 37th Annual "Dinner for Those Who Hunger"
An annual dinner for those in need, hosted by Volunteers of America.
When: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Sunset Park, 1865 Larimer St.
Black Community Initiative of Denver University Celebration
The event includes a talk by Rep. Leslie Herod, special performances and a book drive.
When: 4 p.m. to 5:30 pm
Where: DU Newman Center, 2344 E Iliff Ave. You can register to attend in person or virtually.
Dr. Martin L. King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions
A National Western Stock Show rodeo featuring champion African American cowboys and cowgirls.
When: 6 p.m
Where: National Western Stock Show Coliseum, 4655 Humboldt St. Tickets are $30 for Adults, $47 for Youth .
