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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration

Join the city of Aurora and partners to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The city's 37th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration in January 2023 is themed "United by the Dream."


2023 Schedule of Events 

This schedule is subject to change, please check this page frequently for event updates.
Saturday, Jan. 7 – Monday, Jan. 16

Days of Service
Hosted by the city of Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
View volunteer opportunities or visit AuroraGov.org/Volunteer for additional opportunities. 


Monday, Jan. 9

  • 2023 MLK Jr. Commemoration Opening Ceremony and Prayer Vigil
    4-6 p.m.
    Aurora Municipal Center lobby | 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
    Hosted by the city of Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    The event will include performances by Timothy Martin and Greatness, students from Global Village Academy, the city's poet laureate Ahja Fox and more. Refreshments will also be provided. 
    Registration is not required. 

  • Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Proclamation Reading
    6:30 p.m.
    Read by Mayor Mike Coffman at City Council meeting
    The public can watch the meeting at AuroraTV.org or Comcast Channels 8/880 in Aurora. Those without access to those platforms can call 855.695.3475 to listen to audio only.


Tuesday, Jan. 10

At the Table with Dr. King
6-7 p.m. 
A multifaceted virtual performance about the American civil rights movement through music, poetry and historical video footage.
Hosted by Mizel Institute
Register for this event
View/print event flyer


Friday, Jan. 13

  • Community of Faith Breakfast
    8:30 - 10:30 a.m. 
    Aurora Mental Health Center cafeteria | 791 Chambers Rd.
    Hosted by Aurora Mental Health Center & Aurora Community of Faith
    RSVP by emailing [email protected]


Saturday, Jan. 14

  • Youth Summit
    Listen to insightful guest speakers, lunch will be provided
    noon-2 p.m. 
    Empower Community High School | 450 S Chambers Rd.
    Hosted by NAACP, Aurora Chapter & YAASPA
    Register for this event

  • MLK Day of Service Food Drive 
    Join the Aurora Police Department at the MLK Day of Service Food Drive, hosted by Town Center at Aurora
    The Town Center will be collecting canned and non-perishable food donations for SECORCares
    noon - 2 p.m.
    Town Center of Aurora, Center Court | 14200 E. Alameda Ave. 
    See the Facebook event to learn more


Sunday, Jan. 15

Interfaith Service Honoring Dr. King
5 p.m. 
This event is hosted by the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission
Temple Sinai | 3509 S. Glencoe St. Denver
Download event flyer


Monday, Jan. 16

  • Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring Dr. King
    12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
    MLK Library | 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
    Registration is not required
    Hosted by the city of Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Police Department

  • No One Should Be Hungry, Period: MLK Free Dinner and Resource Fair
    1:30 - 4 p.m.
    MLK Library | 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
    Sponsored by Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center, Dayton Street Opportunity Center, and Centura Health
    Registration is not required
    Download flyer 

  • MLK Jr. Heritage Rodeo
    6 p.m.
    Denver Coliseum | 4600 Humboldt St. Denver
    Sponsored by the city of Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Human Relations Commission
    Purchase tickets at NationalWestern.com


Donate to Spirit of Aurora

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and legacy, consider making a donation to one of the many organizations and causes through the Spirit of Aurora website, AuroraGov.org/SpiritOfAurora.

Spirit of Aurora is a resident-founded, longtime nonprofit that funds various city and local community programs.


Thank you, partners 

  • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Aurora Chapter (NAACP) 
  • Mizel Institute 
  • Aurora Community of Faith 
  • Aurora Human Relations Commission
  • Aurora Mental Health  

And a special thanks to the Aurora MLK Commemoration Steering Committee  


Past Commemorations

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