OCU will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day–but students can still participate in events around the city.
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will take place this year, with a theme of “Honor, Celebrate, and Work.” The day of service will begin with a silent march at 9 a.m., recreating the solemnity and feel of the Civil Rights marches that King led. The silent march will begin at the Freedom Center at NW 23rd St., and will end at the steps of the State Capitol Building. Next, there will be a traditional Bell Ringing ceremony at the Oklahoma Historical Society steps, across from the Capitol. Finally, the celebration will conclude with the 32nd annual Parade, which will begin after a speech at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. The Parade itself will begin at 2 p.m.
This event is put on each year by the Oklahoma City Martin Luther King Holiday Coalition, who work with the community to create an event that is “inclusive of all races, creeds, nationalities and religions, and a great pride to our city,” according to the website. While registration to have a float in the parade has ended, the OKC community is invited to come and watch the event. The coalition hosts events throughout the year. More information can be found on their website.
Another MLK Day tradition will take place in Midwest City. The 18th annual Midwest City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at 7 a.m. in the Reed Conference Center near Rose State College. This year’s event is titled “Circle of Courage,” and will be led by
The 18th annual Midwest City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at the Reed Conference Center near Rose State College will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19th.
Dr. Kevin McPherson of C.A.R.E for Change, and Chaplain Noel Gray, Senior Pastor of Refuge Fellowship Church, will lead the service.
The buffet breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., with the program beginning at 8 a.m. Organizers expect between 400 and 500 people to attend the event this year. Tickets are $10.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a federal day of service in 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law. The day has become a one of civilian volunteerism in honor of the memory of Dr. King. If you do not plan on attending an event, there are many service organizations in the area who are looking for volunteers for the coming spring season.
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