The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example — the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King's character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit. As numerous events take place to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we have compiled a guide of celebrations for this year's MLK Day in the City of Wichita.
Many Ways to Serve and Honor MLK
Published by Wichita Habitat for Humanity
This year’s MLK Day of Service will look different as we strive to keep everyone healthy and safe during the pandemic. But there are still many ways you can serve and honor Dr. King’s legacy. While Wichita Habitat for Humanity will not host the annual indoor construction event with 200 volunteers, we would like to offer some ways you can help others in our community. Here are many ways to serve and honor MLK.
Governor's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Proclamation Signing
Hosted by Kansas African American Affairs Commission
The Kansas African American Affairs Commission would like to invite all to participate in the Governor's Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. march and proclamation signing. This year, the event will take place at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 13 at the Kansas State Capitol (300 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66612). KAAAC will start on the south steps of the Statehouse, walk the perimeter of the grounds and enter the Capitol through the north doors and proceed immediately to the first-floor rotunda for the proclamation signing. This is a shorter event than in past years. The full Martin Luther King, Jr. program will be streamed on KAAAC's Facebook page at noon on Monday, January 17. Please note that social distancing and masking will be in place for the portion of the event taking place inside the Capitol.
Daring to Dream: Wichita's Martin Luther King Parade and Celebration
Hosted by Christian Faith Centre
The Christian Faith Centre will be hosting a city-wide celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 15 at Naftzger Park (601 E. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67202) for remarks from Mayor Brandon Whipple, Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson, Dr. Kevin Harrison, Bishop Wade Moore, Jr., Former Councilwoman Lavonta Williams and other community leaders.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Worship Celebration
Hosted by Greater Wichita Ministerial League
The Greater Wichita Ministerial League will be hosting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Worship Celebration at noon on Monday, January 17 on Facebook. Join as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year will be virtual and features Dr. Leroy E. Adams of San Francisco, California. Our community choir will be singing and we will celebrate some of our community's heroes.
14th Annual MLK Commemoration
Hosted by Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration highlights and memorializes the work, accomplishments and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25. We will also recognize the 2022 Drum Major Award recipient.
Event Submissions
Would you like to add your event onto this list? If so, please email your submissions to diversity@wichita.edu.