Community events will occur from Jan. 14 through Jan. 16 and are free and open to the public.

Every year, the city supports organizations that honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explore his work in the context of the Boulder community.

This year, the city’s Human Relations Commission and Office of Arts and Culture have provided funding for several community events and exhibits to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023. Community events will occur from Jan. 14 through Jan. 16 and are free and open to the public. Find information provided by event organizers below.

  • Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Meadows Branch Library located at 4800 Baseline Rd.: Honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join local nonprofit Haula Community Organization to honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s contributions to the American civil rights movement. This community event will entertain guests with South Sudanese traditional dances featuring the South Sudanese Church Choirs. Nourishing refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact haulacommunity@gmail.com.

  • Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, starting at 4 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center located at 6007 Oreg Ave.: Martin Luther King Jr.: His Life and Legacy. Presented by the NAACP Boulder Branch, Second Baptist Church and the Museum of Boulder, this program will feature music, dance and spoken word by talented youth and area performers. Attendees can expect an inspirational keynote address by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, founder and director of the Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Featured music will be offered by the famed Spirituals Project of Denver University, whose mission is to preserve and revitalize the music and teachings of the beloved and sacred songs called “spirituals,” created and first sung by enslaved Africans in America in the 18th and 19th centuries. A well-deserved tribute to one of Boulder County’s Living Legends, Ms. Inez Buggs, as well as a compelling call to action will round out the program. Reserve your tickets on Eventbrite.

  • Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, starting at 2 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center located at 2590 Walnut St.: Dr. King Jr. and the Radical Roots at the Heart of Justice, with The ReMINDers, Dr. Reiland Rabaka, and JustUs monologist Colette Payne. Motus Theater presents an arts-based, family-friendly event exploring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s understanding of poverty and racism. Featured guests include: The nationally acclaimed and regionally loved singers, The ReMINDers; Dr. Reiland Rabaka, Director of the CU Boulder Center for African and African American Studies, presenting reflections and hip-hop poetry; and Colette Payne, Director at the Women’s Justice Institute, presenting a JustUs monologue that inspires us all to action in alliance with Dr. King Jr. Reserve your tickets online.

For additional information, visit the MLK Jr. Day Program page.

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