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 14
Hosted by the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, this free community event will include a fellowship breakfast honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reverand J.R. Miller of the Bridge of Life Church will lead the group in fellowship. The event takes place at the Emerald Beach Hotel on Jan. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. If you are able, the Chamber encourages attendees to bring donations of diapers, wipes and bottles for the local nonprofit Esperanza De Tejas LLC.
53rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Fund Gala
January 14
Each year, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (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. 14 from 6 to 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 Bishop James Dixon II from Houston, Texas.
According to a press release sent by NAACP’s Corpus Christi Chapter, Dr. James Dixon II is “an innovative social impact leader who has been a proponent for racial reconciliation and maximizing diversity through his organization One Family One Future. He further promotes an agenda of social justice and community impact by serving as a member of Mayor Turner’s newly created Police Reform Task Force and by appearing as a guest instructor for the Houston Police Academy, encouraging community policing and minority recruitment.” Tickets for the gala can be purchased online ahead of the event.
Interfaith Prayer Service
January 15
Hosted by the Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorrority, Inc., the Interfaith Prayer Service will include various faith leaders from across the Coastal Bend to honor and uplift Martin Luther King Jr.’s messaging. In partnership with the Coastal Bend Fellowship of Christian Churches, the service will take place at Brook’s Worship Center on Jan. 15, beginning at 6 p.m. and will be live streamed via the center’s Facebook page.
YWCA Corpus Christi Racial Justice Forum
January 16
The community is invited to attend the 18th Annual YWCA Racial Justice Forum. This year’s theme is “Together We Can Be The Dream” and will feature a panel discussion from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The event will take place on the sixth floor of Corpus Christi City Hall and will adjourn for participants to attend the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March. Registration for the event is required.
37th Annual MLK Commemorative March
January 16
Join the Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorrority, Inc. and several other community organizations on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the 37th Annual MLK Commemorative March. This year, the commencement will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the march immediately following at noon. The march will begin in front of Corpus Christi City Hall on the Staples St. side and proceed to the Church of the Good Shepard.
