Denver is home to one of the largest U.S. celebrations honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Denver celebration is both a parade and a march and therefore, is known as a “Marade.” Second in size and enthusiasm only to Martin Luther King celebrations in Georgia, where King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, Denver’s Marade always takes place on the third Monday in January. That’s also when Colorado and states around the U.S. celebrate Martin Luther King or MLK Day.
King famously used the tenets of nonviolence to gain long-denied civil rights for Black people. He led the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott in 1955. (Learn more about the pivotal boycotts.)
King also became famous for his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963, during which he inspired over a quarter-million people by telling them: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”
King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968.
When King dedicated his life to seeking equality for all people, formerly enslaved people already had been denied promised economic and civil rights for more than a century.
Even 57 years after King’s death, the struggle for racial equality continues.
In challenging times, King’s words remain both prescient and timeless. Progress often comes slowly, But eventually, it will come. Said King: “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
How to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Colorado:
Participate in the Denver Marade
Activities include:
- The Marade, which starts in the morning in Denver’s City Park and ends at Civic Center in downtown Denver.
- Performances.
- Celebrations.
- Food Trucks.
- A Dr. King Legacy Bike Ride in the afternoon.
Keep in mind that mid-January often brings extremely cold temperatures to Colorado. Wear plenty of warm clothing, and take advantage of Marade warming centers to avoid frostbite and other impacts from the cold.
Honor MLK in Aurora with month-long ‘Let Freedom Ring’ events.
Celebrations include:
- Speeches
- Prayer vigils
- Poetry sessions
- Film festival
- Community service project
- Wreath-laying ceremony
- Talent show
Enjoy the MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo at the Denver’s National Western Stock Show.
The National Western Stock Show features 30 rodeos over 16 days. On Jan. 20, the special MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo celebrates the history and heritage of America’s Black cowboys and cowgirls. This January event also honors the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western Heritage.
The event starts at 6 p.m.; enjoy all the favorite pro rodeo events including:
- Bronc riding
- Barrel racing
- Steer wrestling
- Mutton bustin’
- Ladies’ steer-undecorating
- Bull riding
- Tie down roping
- And much more!
Celebrate ‘Justice Everywhere: Mission Possible’ with the City of Fort Collins and Colorado State University
On Jan. 20, starting at 1 p.m., the community is invited to participate in an MLK Day march starting at Washington Park, 301 Maple St., and heading toward the Lory Student Center. Stay for the community celebration at 2 p.m. on the Colorado State University campus.
Other scheduled events include:
- Candlelight vigil (Jan. 20)
- Book displays at Poudre River Library District locations (ongoing)
- City of Fort Collins Black/African American History and tours (ongoing)
In Colorado Springs, celebrate at the All People’s Breakfast and Freedom March on MLK Day
The march starts at the Antler’s Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs and focuses on protecting freedom, justice and democracy.
Attend the Colorado Baptist Southern District Association’s Martin Luther King Jr. Gala
The gala takes place on Jan. 17 at the Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport. Tickets: Call 719-630-8709 or jkgraphics2@ gmail.com.
Attend the University of Colorado Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation: Freedom Intersections
Featuring keynote speaker Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author. This event on Jan. 16 is free, but you must register by Jan. 2.
Pueblo’s MLK Day March begins at the Rawlings Library
The Pueblo branch of the NAACP will host its annual MLK CommUnity March followed by a celebration, food giveaway and service project on Jan. 20, 2025.
The march, weather permitting, begins at noon in front of the Rawlings Library on Abriendo Avenue and proceeds along Union Avenue to the El Pueblo History Museum. A celebration at the museum begins immediately following the march. Participants will then volunteer for a cleanup project in partnership with the City of Pueblo, and a food giveaway in partnership with RMSER, which is dedicated to administering the National Farmworker Jobs Program Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker grant in Colorado.