Austin celebrates MLK Day with a march and other activities.
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Austin, Texas, spans two historically segregated sections of the city, the east and west sides. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the third Monday in January, the city comes together for events celebrating the life of the civil rights leader. MLK Day activities in Austin include entertainment, volunteer opportunities, religious services and educational activities for children and adults.
March and Festival
Thousands of people participate in the annual MLK March and Festival in Austin. The event begins in the morning on the campus of the University of Texas, at the MLK statue. Marchers cross MLK Boulevard and head toward the grounds of the Texas Capitol for a brief program. After the program, the march progresses down 11th Street, across the east-west division of Interstate 35 and ends at Huston-Tillotsen University. A festival commences with speeches, entertainment, children's activities and non-profit and commercial vendor booths.
Austin Area Heritage Council
P.O. Box 81807
Austin, TX 78708-1807
mlkcelebration.com
David Chapel Service
Churches in Austin observe MLK Day with special services. Churches that belong to historically black denominations, such as Missionary Baptist and African Methodist Episcopal, feature speakers and children's activities. David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, one of the oldest black churches in Austin, hosts an annual service and special events like lectures by prominent civil rights leaders.
David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
2211 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Austin, TX 78702-1343
512-472-9748
davidchapel.org
MLK Day of Service
A nonprofit service agency, Hands on Central Texas, organizes days of service throughout the year, including one on MLK Day. Volunteers participate in activities like feeding the homeless, restoring and repairing trails and parks, spending time with the elderly and building homes for the needy. The day begins with a civic engagement session on MLK's non-violent philosophy. The session includes theater presentations, speeches and youth entertainers. Volunteers can sign up on the agency's website.
Hands on Central Texas
United Way Capital Area, Austin
2000 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Austin, TX 78702-1340
512-472-6267
handsoncentraltexas.org
Children's Oratory Contest
Youngsters with the public speaking skills can enter the annual MLK oratory contest. The event takes place at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center on the east side. Elementary school students prepare speeches on a pre-selected theme and showcase their oratorical talents in the venue's Boyd Vance Theatre.
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
1165 Angelina St.
Austin, TX 78702
512-974-4926
carvermuseum.org
Tags: Luther King, Martin Luther, Martin Luther King, David Chapel, Missionary Baptist
