Marches, food drives, volunteer opportunities and festivities

On By Littum

Austin will once again meet to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events commemorating his life and work.

From community marches and festivals to food drives and volunteer opportunities, there are ways for everyone to participate and help improve our city.

Thursday: MLK Oratorical Contest

Hosted by the Austin Area Heritage Council 20th Annual MLK Oratorical Contest on January 16 at 6.30pm at the ACC Highland Campus. This year’s contest is open to students in grades 4, 5 and 6 and focuses on the theme “The Time is Now: Protecting Our Freedom and Justice by Unifying Our Voices Through Democracy.” Students are encouraged to reflect on current topics and share their ideas with Dr. King on how they can achieve his dream of a fair and just society.

Chesma McCoy, 41, Manor, and her daughter, Leandra, 4, take pictures of Dr. Martin Luther Kink, Jr., the statue under Martin Luther King, Jr. Community March held on Monday, January 16, 2023, in Austin. The MLK Community March began at the University of Texas' MLK statue before marching to the Capitol for a rally and then to Huston-Tilotson University for a day of activities.

Chesma McCoy, 41, Manor, and her daughter, Leandra, 4, take pictures of Dr. Martin Luther Kink, Jr., the statue under Martin Luther King, Jr. Community March held on Monday, January 16, 2023, in Austin. The MLK Community March began at the University of Texas’ MLK statue before marching to the Capitol for a rally and then to Huston-Tilotson University for a day of activities.

Saturday: MLK Jr. Freedom Run

The Best Races hosts the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Run on January 18. This low-key race welcomes all levels and ages with a focus on community and personal achievement. Participants receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal and access to local running clubs. Optional timing and technical running jerseys are available. Wave times start at 7:30 at Richard Moya Park (1001 Burleson Rd). Runners can register for the event on EventBrite.

Sunday: MLK Day Creek Clean Up

Families in the Wild are hosting an MLK Jr. Day of Service on January 19 in Northeast Austin. Volunteers will participate in a local cleanup at Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia District Park from 10 a.m. to Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves or borrow some at the park. To participate in the clean-up, you can register at familiesinnature.org.

Members of the Voices of Afrika choral group perform the Negro National Anthem during the MLK Community March event held Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Austin. The MLK Community March began at the University of Texas' MLK statue before marching to the Capitol for a rally and then to Huston-Tilotson University for a day of activities.

Members of the Voices of Afrika choral group perform the Negro National Anthem during the MLK Community March event held Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Austin. The MLK Community March began at the University of Texas’ MLK statue before marching to the Capitol for a rally and then to Huston-Tilotson University for a day of activities.

January 20: MLK Community March & Festival

The annual MLK Community March will be held on January 20 to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and promoting diversity in Austin. The march begins with a rally at the State Capitol at 9:30. It will be followed by a march to Huston-Tillotson University for a festival. The festival will feature local vendors, music and food. Attendees are encouraged to donate canned goods or non-perishable food items to the Central Texas Food Bank. If you plan to attend, please park at the State Visitor Garage (12th & San Jacinto St.), Kealing Middle School (1607 Pennsylvania Ave.), Holy Cross Catholic Church (1610 E. 11th St.), Blackshear Elementary (1712) E . 11th St.), Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (1206 E. 9th St.), or Mount Olive Baptist Church (1800 E. 11th St. St.).

January 20: MLK Day Food Drive at Pease Park

The Pease Park Conservancy is hosting an MLK Day food drive on January 20 from 12pm to 5pm at Kingsbury Commons (1100 Kingsbury St). Donations of food, nappies and period products will be collected for local charities. Volunteers are also needed to help with the drive. People interested in Volunteers can sign up for shifts here.

January 20: MLK happy hour with Austin Shakespeare Co.

Join Austin Shakespeare, a professional theater production company, for a special happy hour. The commemorative event includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages, while renowned actor Marc Pouhé recites Dr. Inspirational words of Martin Luther King Jr. The evening starts at 5:30pm at The Gallery at Chez Zee (5406 Balcones Dr.) RSVP to [email protected] by January 16th to participate.

Austin-based actor Marc Pouhé poses for a portrait at Carpenters Hall in 2019. He's participating in a workshop for young black actors this week.

Austin-based actor Marc Pouhé poses for a portrait at Carpenters Hall in 2019. He’s participating in a workshop for young black actors this week.

This article originally appeared on the Austin American-Statesman: 2025 MLK Day in Austin: Marching, volunteering and ways to give back