Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed as a federal holiday on the third Monday of January. This year, that is Monday, Jan. 19. Most municipal buildings, public libraries, schools, and community centers will be closed, but there won’t be changes to residential waste collection or emergency services. Trinity Metro will operate on a modified schedule.
This year, The King Center’s theme is “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, United a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” The nonprofit was founded by civil rights activist and MLK’s late wife, Coretta Scott King, to continue King’s legacy.
MLK in Fort Worth
Did you know that King visited Fort Worth once in October 1959? He made a speech at the now-gone Majestic Theater — the site where the convention center now sits — while on his national tour to promote equality. It was the first time the theater had ever been integrated. While King was in town, he enjoyed some barbecue and attended a reception with TCU professors.
Opal Lee (left) and Brenda Polk (right) march along Rosedale Street.
Photo by UTA Libraries
How to get involved
Aside from lending a hand, you can also commemorate MLK Day at these local events:
MLK Freedom Run 5K/10K/13.1 | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 7:30 a.m. | Trinity River Trail (course map will be emailed) | Doesn’t matter whether you jog, walk, or skip.
8th Annual Neighborhood Parade & Celebration | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Eugene McCray Community Center | Music, performances, speakers, vendors, and a parade dedicated to unity and equality.
James Bowie High School Step Team Performance | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | James Bowie High School, Arlington | Tickets at the door cost $15 to see the step show and talent showcase.
Chicken N Pickle’s MLK Day Unity Walk | Monday, Jan. 19 | 10 a.m. | Chicken N Pickle Grapevine | Gather for a walk and then enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
41st Annual MLK Parade and Rally | Monday, Jan. 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Fort Worth | See floats, classic cars, and walking groups as they commemorate King’s dream and celebrate unity.
Cowboys of Color Rodeo and After Party | Monday, Jan. 19 | 2 p.m. + 7-11 p.m. | Dickies Arena + Stillwater Lounge & Event Center | The top Black, Hispanic, and Native American cowboys and cowgirls compete in traditional rodeo events like bull riding, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping. The after-party features soprano Erika Johnson.
MLK Day and MLK Spoken Word Contest and Open Mic | Monday, Jan. 19-Tuesday, Jan. 20| Times vary | The Dock Bookshop | Aspiring authors, storytellers, and other creatives will present original works on their interpretation of “Dreams From The Mountain Top.”
Editor pick: Take a walk at Fort Worth’s Martin Luther King Park, located in the Historic Rosedale Park neighborhood. Walking is a great time for reflection or a peaceful meditation. The park was dedicated to the King one year after his death.
