January 2023 MLK Celebrations, Events in the Phoenix Metro Area

Arizona continues to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most impactful civil rights leaders that our world has ever seen.

PhxSoul.com has organized a list of January 2023 festivals, parades and other celebrations in the Phoenix area that will recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Please continue to visit this page and the various local city/town Websites for updates on the MLK celebrations.

Chandler

Each January, the City of Chandler holds a series of events to honor the community’s heritage and diversity, along with the spirit, ideals, life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights movement. Here are some of the events:

Chandler Multicultural Festival

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 | 11 AM to 6 PM

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85224

The Multicultural Festival is a part of the Celebration of Unity annual events held each January to honor our community’s heritage and diversity, along with the spirit and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights movement.

In its 28th year, the City of Chandler Multicultural Festival promotes the cultural diversity of our community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more. Enjoy cultural performances, kids’ activities, unique vendors and delicious food.

During the Celebration of Unity, the City of Chandler announce the winners of the Creative Expression Competition and the inaugural MLK Jr. Award winners, and hear from Dr. Tamika Sanders at her “Be the Change – Finding Your Movement” multi-media presentation. The Chandler Public Library will also showcase a variety of micro-events to celebrate unity in the Chandler community.

Click here for more details.

Gilbert

Gilbert Watch Tower Lighting

Monday, January 16, 2023 | At Sundown

Water Tower Plaza
45 W Page Ave
Gilbert, Arizona 85233

The town’s iconic water tower will be lit purple beginning at sundown on Monday, January 16 to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. More details here.

Glendale

MLK Day of Service

January 14, 2023
9 AM to 12 PM

Sahuaro Ranch Park
9802 N 59th Ave.
Glendale, Arizona

In partnership with HandsOn Greater Phoenix and St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the City of Glendale is looking for over 200 volunteers to help glean fruit from Sahuaro Ranch Park. Removing the fruit also helps beautify a Glendale landmark, keeping this community perfect for living, working and playing.

Click here for more details.

Mesa

Mesa MLK Parade – 2023

January 16, 2023 – 11 AM
Parade begins on Martin Luther King Jr. Way & Center Street in Mesa

The Community is invited to join the Mesa-East Valley MLK Committee and Visit Mesa in celebration of the Dream of Martin Luther King Jr. on January 16, 2023. Community groups, organizations, businesses, churches, dance groups, bands, and regional cities will stroll in Downtown Mesa during this community event.

For vendor applications and more information, visit https://www.mesaevmlk.org/.

Paradise Valley

Town of Paradise Valley & Bahá’ís of Paradise Valley – MLK Celebration

January 16, 2023

Town Hall of Paradise Valley
6401 E Lincoln Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Visit www.mlkparadisevalley.org to learn more about the Art and Essay Contest.

The 2023 program is sponsored by the Bahá’í Community of Paradise Valley and the Town of Paradise Valley.

Phoenix

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH & FESTIVAL

The 2023 MLK Celebration is a long-standing tradition of the Arizona Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, with a series of events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.

Join the City of Phoenix along with city leaders, schools, local businesses, churches and community organizations, as we pay homage to this great Civil Rights leader on Monday, January 16, 2023.

The MLK March will begin at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church on 15th Street /Jefferson Steet and end at Hance Park. Assemble at 8:30 AM as March begins promptly at 9:00 AM

The MLK Festival runs from 10AM to 4PM, Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ

Other events include the Arizona MLK Celebration Auditions, 37th Annual Arizona MLK Celebration, MLK Candlelight Service, and the National MLK Day of Service.

For more information on the MLK events in the City of Phoenix, visit www.azmlk.org or email info@azmlk.org.

Scottsdale

Community Celebrating Diversity – MLK Celebration

Thursday, January 12, 2023
Starts at 5:30PM

The Fieldhouse at Scottsdale Stadium
7408 E. Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

KEYNOTE SPEAKER – Dr. Benjamin Chavis is presently the CEO & President of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and the President of Education Online Services Corporation, th e world’s leading provider of online higher education for Historically Black Colleges and Universities across America, as well as other academic institutions of higher learning throughout the world. Additionally, Dr. Chavis is the President and CEO of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN).

Click Here for sponsorships, tickets and more details.

Surprise

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration & Service

In honor of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the city is hosting day of celebration and service around Surprise.

Saturday, January 14

Click here for more info:

https://www.surpriseaz.gov

Tempe

2023 MLK Diversity Awards Ceremony

The date of the event is Monday, January 9, 2023 at 8 AM.

The MLK Diversity Awards honor people who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and who exemplify the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s program honors people and organizations, including students, who work to make Dr. King’s dream a reality. The MLK Diversity Awards are hosted by the City of Tempe and the Human Relations Commission. Mayor Corey Woods will be one of the keynote speakers.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Arizona State University

Tempe Campus

The K-12 Student Essay/Poetry and Poster contest is to capture Dr. King’s legacy in word and art. ASU will host its 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration on January 19, 2023.

For more information, visit: mlk.asu.edu.

The 32nd Annual MLK March on West

January 18, 2023

The MLK March on West is a tradition at Arizona State University’s West campus that dates back to 1991. The March features middle school students, members of the ASU community, and the public celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and fosters understanding about the history-changing 1963 March on Washington.

This year, educational presentations about the history of the civil rights movement and an inspirational rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech by ASU faculty member Charles St. Clair.

For more information, visit: mlk.asu.edu/event/mlk-march-on-west/.

All events subject to change without notice.

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