Austin Schools Honor Martin Luther King Jr. with Events

Community members come together to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

News Summary

Austin schools are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a variety of events, from an Oratory Competition to a community march. The 20th Annual MLK Oratory Competition for students happens on January 16, followed by a Day of Service and a Community March later in January. These events reflect Dr. King’s legacy of justice and unity while encouraging community engagement and service.

Austin Schools Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with Annual Events

The vibrant city of Austin is gearing up for a fantastic series of events to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This year marks a special milestone, as the Austin Area Heritage Council hosts the 20th Annual MLK Oratory Competition on January 16 at the ACC Highland Campus, starting at 6:30 p.m. Students in grades 4 through 6 are invited to take the stage and share their thoughts on this year’s exciting theme: “The Time is Now: Protecting Our Freedom and Justice by Unifying Our Voices Through Democracy.”

This competition gives young voices the chance to reflect on current issues and engage with the ideals that Dr. King stood for. It’s an opportunity for students to express their ideas about how we can work together to create a more just and equitable society. You can feel the excitement in the air as these bright young minds prepare to inspire their peers with powerful speeches.

Run for a Cause

The festivities continue on January 18 with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Run organized by The Best Races. Everyone is welcome to lace up their shoes and participate, regardless of pace or age! Whether you’re a casual walker, a seasoned runner, or someone who just wants to enjoy a community event, this run is a great way to celebrate the holiday. Registration is available on EventBrite, so don’t wait too long to join in on the fun!

Celebrations for the Community

On the same day, the Round Rock community will commemorate the 38th Annual MLK Celebration. This event will include a marching procession and a delightful program that showcases performances by the talented CD Fulkes Middle School Choir of Round Rock ISD. There’s nothing like hopping together with music and celebration to foster community spirit and honor Dr. King’s lasting impact.

Day of Service

As part of the legacy of giving back, Families in Nature will hold an MLK Jr. Day of Service on January 19. This community clean-up will take place at the Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia District Park. Bring your family along for a day of environmental stewardship and community pride that embodies the spirit of service that Dr. King championed.

Marching for Change

If you’re looking to participate in a larger community gathering, mark your calendars for the annual MLK Community March on January 20. The event kicks off with a rally at the State Capitol at 9:30 a.m. before proceeding to Huston-Tillotson University for a lively festival. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods or non-perishable items to support the Central Texas Food Bank, emphasizing the importance of giving back to those in need.

Food Drive and Volunteer Opportunities

Further showcasing the spirit of community service, the Pease Park Conservancy is organizing an MLK Day food drive on January 20 from noon to 5 p.m. Volunteers can lend a hand in collecting food, diapers, and period products to support families in the area. It’s a great way to make a difference in your community while honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

A Special Commemoration

For those interested in the arts, Austin Shakespeare is hosting a special happy hour event to celebrate Dr. King. Renowned actor Marc Pouhé will recite some of his most inspiring words, allowing attendees to reflect on the teachings that continue to resonate today.

Honoring Dr. King with Local Activities

The celebration doesn’t stop in Austin! Hays Dems will hold numerous events in San Marcos, including a wreath-laying ceremony and an MLK walk, while Georgetown hosts a march and program starting at the Williamson County Courthouse. Meanwhile, the City of Leander has themed their march “Marching Towards A Better Tomorrow,” kicking off from Camacho Elementary School at 10:00 a.m.

As we gather to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., let’s remember the importance of reflecting on his dreams and using our voices to support justice and equality for all. Join us in participating, volunteering, and accessing all these uplifting events that will surely make a difference in our community.