Updated for 2012.
New Mexico Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission
The Commission promotes Dr. King's principles and philosophy in New Mexico, and works to reduce youth conflicts in the community. The commission sponsors four main programs; the annual parade and march is one. In addition to the annual march, the commission sponsors commemorative awards, a leadership tour, and a youth conference.
Martin Luther King Holiday Parade
The parade begins at University and Martin Luther King Boulevard, and follows the road west to Harry E. Kinney Civic Plaza downtown. During the parade, a celebration of drumming and marching precedes the commemorative ceremony on Civic Plaza downtown. Everyone is invited to the event. Contact Cheryl Yazzie at (505) 222-6466 for more information.
When: Sunday, January 15, beginning at 1 p.m.
Where: Parade begins at Martin Luther King Boulevard and University Boulevard
Moments of Unique Performances
The African American Performing Arts Center at New Mexico Expo will host a benefit night of poetry, prose, story-telling, drumming, dance, music, scriptured readings and more. Contact Dr. Shiame Okunor, at 222-0773 for information.
When: Friday, January 13, 7 p.m.
Where: African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro NE
NM African American Legacy, Visible, Vital and Valuable Exhibit
A special reception will introduce the exhibit.
When: Saturday, January 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: African American Performing Arts Center, 310 San Pedro NE
Peacepal Youth Service Summit
Youth from the greater Albuquerque area will meet to hear a panel of inspirational speakers, after which they will move into breakout sessions to develop service projects. Projects will take place over the spring. Open to youth ages 11 - 19.
When: January 14, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; registration closes at 10 a.m.
Where: Hispano Chamber of Commerce,
Cost: Free, with breakfast and lunch included.
Mass to Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Albuquerque African American Catholic community will honor Dr. King with a special mass. Rev. Msgr. Lambert Luna will be celebrant. All are invited; call (505) 836-3627 for more information.
When: Noon on January 15
Where: St. Joseph on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Joseph Dr. NW
Rio Grande Community Farm Day of Service and Reflection
The Rio Grande Community Farm will have a day of service and reflection to honor Dr. King.
When: Monday, January 16, 8:30 a.m.
Where: 1701 Montano NW
22 Years: Pursuing the Dream
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Multicultural Council has been an all-volunteer non-profit organization since 1991. Every year on the MLK holiday, they have a birthday celebration program to honor local youth and organizations for keeping the dream alive. Keynote speaker is Ms. Carolyn Hong Chan, National President of the Chinese-American Citizens Alliance. Frank Martinez of Roadrunner Food Bank will receive the 2012 "Keep the Dream Alive" award. This is a free event and ethnic dress is encouraged.
When: Monday, January 16, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Congregation Albert, 3800 Louisiana NE
16th Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Breakfast
The annual breakfast will feature a speaker, scholarship presentations and entertainment by the New Mexico Mass Choir. For tickets, contact Galvin Brown at (505) 293-1300.
When: Monday, January 16, 8 a.m.
Where: Marriott Pyramid, 5151 San Francisco Road NE
MLK Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is known for its spirit of volunteerism. Join the MLK Day of Service initiative on January 16. Part of the United We Serve network, volunteers across the U.S. make a commitment to spending the day helping someone else. Find out where you can help by seeing what's happening in your area. Join a book drive, stuff the bus, and other volunteer opportunities are available citywide.
UNM Valencia Campus Salute to Dr. King
Col. James L. Cardoso, commander of the 58th Special Operations Wing of Kirtland Air Force Base will be the keynote speaker at this annual tribute to Dr. King. There will be performances by local youth groups and choirs. Enjoy refreshments after the ceremony.
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, January 14
Where: UNM Valencia Campus Student Community Center
Martin Luther King Candlelight Vigil
The annual candlelight vigil brings together the community for song, dance, and a pledge for dealing with everyday life in a nonviolent manner.
When: 6 p.m. January 16
Where: Anna Becker Park in Belen
