Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January to honor the civil rights leader’s extraordinary life and legacy. In Corpus Christi, various groups and organizations celebrate with community events and programming over several days. Make plans to attend one or more of the events below to observe this important holiday.
MLK Jr. Prayer Breakfast & Business Fellowship
January 13
Hosted by the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., this community event will include a fellowship breakfast honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reverand Albert Walker of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Mathis will lead the group in fellowship, followed by a presentation on Black natural health from Kat Pettaway-Clarke and a chamber update from Coretta Graham. The event takes place at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Jan. 13, from 8 – 11 a.m.
53rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Fund Gala
January 13
Each year, the NAACP’s local chapter puts on a beautiful gala honoring the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s gala will take place on Jan. 13 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Ortiz Center. The evening will include a seated dinner, an awards presentation honoring community leaders and organizations who work towards and aid in amplifying diversity and inclusion in the Coastal Bend, as well as special guest speaker Adrienne Richardson from Houston, Texas.
Annual MLK Interfaith Prayer Service
January 14
Hosted by the Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Coastal Bend Fellowship of Christian Churches, the Annual MLK Interfaith Prayer Service will take place on Jan. 14 at the Brooks AME Worship Center at 6 p.m. The service will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his messaging. The program will be live-streamed on the Brooks Worship Facebook page for those unable to attend.
17th Annual YWCA Racial Justice Forum
January 15
The community is invited to attend the 17th Annual YWCA Racial Justice Forum, powered by AEP Foundation. In collaboration with the Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., this year’s theme is “Just Stop” and will feature a panel discussion from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Nueces County Courthouse. The forum will include the Pledge to Eliminate Racism, a call to action, a distinguished community panel and a continental breakfast, and will adjourn for participants to attend the Annual MLK Commemorative March. Registration for the event is required.
38th Annual MLK Commemorative March
January 15
Join the Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and several other community organizations on Martin Luther King. Jr. Day for the 38th Annual MLK Commemorative March. This year’s theme is “It Starts With Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate.” The march features a new route, taking off from the Nueces County Courthouse at noon and proceeding to Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
