ARIZONAMLK.ORG | Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

ARIZONAMLK.org

Home

About

History

Events

Be Involved

Contact

Torch Run Map

Event Flyers

Home

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

History

Events

Be Involved

About

Arizona's King Holiday history dates back to 1984.Find out about the journey to honor - and keep - a dream.
Numerous activities are planned during January, all of which are designed to encourage all ages, ethnicities, cultures, races and genders to participate and to focus on fulfilling a dream. Download registration forms to participate in activities such as the MLK Festival. Or volunteer for Community Days of Service.
As a sponsor or vendor, you will be helping us: 1) Continue the mission to build Dr. King's Beloved Community through community service and volunteerism; 2) Educate our youth; and 3) Recognize with dignity those who give of their time, talent and treasure to insure a better quality of life for all Arizonans.
In 2012, the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will celebrate its 26th year of promoting cultural diversity, awareness and unity as it seeks to involve all Arizonans in recognizing the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the contributions he left to the world in his quest for equality for all people.

Latest News

12/8/2011 - PHOENIX - Celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday at the 26th annual MLK Awards Breakfast, Stand Up for Justice, 7 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 340 N. Third St. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. The event recognizes one winner for the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award and six individuals for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award, who have made Phoenix a better place to live through a lifelong commitment to creating a compassionate and socially just society. The Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to Dr.Gene C. Blue, president and chief executive officer of Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (Arizona OIC). The award recognizes an exceptional individual who has made Phoenix a better place through a lifelong dedication to promoting social and economic justice, defending civil rights and enhancing the dignity of all people. The award is named for former Phoenix City Councilman Calvin C. Goode, who worked to ensure these rights for all residents during his 22-year tenure on the council. The six Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream awardees include: Dr. Madeline Adelman, associate professor Justice and Social Inquiry, Arizona State University (ASU); Dr. Donald Campbell, retired, ASU; Dr. Wil Counts, professor emeritus, Gateway Community College and pharmacist, PharMerica; Adam Lopez Falk, Governing Board member, Alhambra Elementary School District #68; Dr. Carnella Hardin, Business Faculty emeritus, Glendale Community College; and Jerry Oliver II, detective, city of Phoenix Police Department. The event is sponsored by the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee and supported by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission. The awards breakfast is one event in a series of activities throughout the month of January to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cost for the event is $65 per person or $650 for a table of 10. The reservation deadline is 4 p.m. Jan. 6. To receive a reservation form and/or obtain additional information on this or other Dr. King events in January, call 602-254-5081.* * *11/22/2011 - The King Center will distribute 1,000 Thanksgiving turkeys to local community groups at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Martin Luther King III, president of the King Center, will be joined by the leaders of 10 community-based organizations, who will distribute the turkeys to Atlanta's leading anti-poverty organizations. At 3 p.m. King will distribute 100 turkeys in Vine City, at the old Publix parking lot on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. near James Brawley Drive. Vine City is where King was raised by his parents, Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. He said the center is working with community leaders and public schools to help identify families in need in the community.* * *11/21/2011 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is among the latest batch of 25 recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.* * *10/17/2011 - WASHINGTON (AP) Thousands of people spanning all ages and races honored the legacy of the nation's foremost civil rights leader during Sunday's formal dedication of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington. Aretha Franklin, poet Nikki Giovanni and President Barack Obama were among those who attended the more than four-hour ceremony. King's children and other leaders spoke before the president, invoking his "I Have a Dream" speech and calling upon a new generation to help fully realize that dream.* * *9/13/2011- The Cesar Chavez Foundation headquartered in Los Angeles will receive a $125,000 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to support service projects for the 2012 Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service. The grant will support the Cesar Chavez Foundation and a network of subgrantees to strengthen the educational achievement of low-performing students in five states (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, and Texas) which have large Hispanic populations. The subgrantees will mobilize more than 1,700 volunteers in small and rural communities in these states to carry out service projects to benefit youth on the MLK Day of Service and in the seven months afterward. Dr. King devoted his life to expanding equality and opportunity for all, including ensuring young people get the education they need to fulfill their potential in life, said Roybal-Allard. I congratulate the Cesar Chavez Foundation for following in Dr. Kings footsteps and taking action to fulfill his dream - not just on MLK Day, but throughout the year. The MLK Day of Service grant is one of six nationwide by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency which engages more than five million Americans in service each year through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and other service programs.

Dr. Gene C. Blue
Dr. Madeline Adelman
Dr. Donald Campbell
Dr. Wil Counts
Adam Lopez Falk
Dr. Carnella Hardin
Jerry Oliver II

About

"Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."
element

WINNER!

Wealth

Manager

of the Year

About

In 2012, the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will celebrate its 26th year of promoting cultural diversity, awareness and unity as it seeks to involve all Arizonans in recognizing the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the contributions he left to the world in his quest for equality for all people.The Celebration joins forces with the Arizona Interfaith Movement to spearhead promoting responsible citizens for our future through education and service.The annual event is organized by Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC). The Phoenix Human Relations Commission, in collaboration with the Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department, recognizes the accomplishments of people who have made an impact on the quality of life of Phoenix residents and contributed significantly to creating a compassionate and socially just community with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living The Dream Awards and Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award.Past Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living The Dream Award WinnersPast Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Each year, citizens from across the state gather to recognize the birthday and contributions of Dr. King in a variety of ways. The city of Phoenix and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee are ever mindful that this important holiday should not be treated as a one-day, one-weekend event. To limit it that way would make it a hollow day.The many volunteers who have made this celebration a meaningful and totally participatory event are committed to keeping alive the works of Dr. King. We remember, we celebrate and we act. We remember by recalling the historical civil rights events and reflecting on our own personal experieinces. We celebrate in joyfil interaction of a diverse people to ackowledge our common heritage and humanity. We act by planning our lives centered in the reality of sustaining the principles set forth by Dr. King. Everyone is encouraged to be a true change agent by actively engaging in positive service to our neighbors, our city, state and nation.We know, as do you, that we face major economic and unity challenges on the local, state, national and international levels. However, we encourage each person, by positive actions, to be a part of necessary solutions, not contributors to the problems.We applaud your active involvement and thank you for your conitnued support as we continue to showcase the good works of our city's very good people.Sincerely,Gene C. Blue, ChairmanArizona MLK Celebration Committee

History

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

History

1984July: Phoenix City Council unanimously votes to honor Dr. King with a paid holiday for city workers1985January: Phoenix is state's first city with official paid King holiday plus prayer breakfast, youth art exhibit, march and festival; other cities soon follow1986Early: Legislative action to establish a paid state holiday passes in the Senate but fails in the House by 1 voteLate: Gov. Bruce Babbitt creates a paid state holiday via his power of executive order to be celebrated the third Monday in January1987January: Newly elected Gov. Evan Mecham rescinds the paid state holiday claiming Babbitt's executive order illegal; he declares the third Sunday in January as the state-recognized King holiday because it would be more appropriate since King was a Baptist minister1989September: Arizona Legislature passes a bill that creates a paid King holiday eliminating Columbus Day so as not to create an additional state-paid holiday1990August: A petition to restore Columbus Day and force the King holiday to a public vote was successful; the petition drive garnered 71,055 signatures.November: Proposition 302, which would establish a state-paid King holiday and retain a paid Columbus Day holiday, was defeated by 1 percent; a related Proposition (301) to create a state-paid King holiday and eliminate a paid Columbus Day holiday also was defeated1991March: Arizona Legislature passes a referendum to put to public vote a bill that would combine Washington's and Lincoln's birthdays into President's Day and establish a King Civil Rights Day to be observed the third Monday in January to go into effect in 19931992November: 61 percent of Arizona voters approve Proposition 300 to establish a paid King holiday; 39 percent voted against the measure1993January: The first paid state holiday honoring Dr. King is celebrated in Arizona2003January: 10th anniversary of the King holiday is observed.
State CelebrationsChandlerEl MirageGlendaleMesaPeoriaScottsdaleSurpriseTempeTucson
Events

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Events

For any general event information contact Betty lou Long 602-254-5081. If interested in being a MLK Celebration Sponsor or MLK Festival Vendor, or participating in the MLK Basketball Classic, download the appropriate form.
ALL ASU CAMPUSESJanuary 16Join the 27th anniversary celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by honoring his legacy and giving back to our community. For more information call 480-965-9600 or to register, visit http://volunteer.asu.edu.January 16Offices and classrooms on the four ASU campuses are closed to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.January 18-31Poster-essay contest entries from schoolchildren around the state will be on display at the Tempe campus Memorial Union, the Student Union at ASU Polytechnic, and also online.CHANDLERJanuary 14Chandler's 17th Annual Multicultural Festival from 11am-4pn at the Chandler Public Library Courtyard, 22 S. Delaware St. The Multicultural Festival highlights the cultural diversity of our community through music, dance, art, storytelling childrens area and more. Winners of the Creative Expression Competition will also be announced.GLENDALEJanuary 16ASU West Campus: Join the 27th anniversary celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by honoring his legacy and giving back to our community. For more information call 480-965-9600 or to register, visit http://volunteer.asu.edu.January 18March on West - 11am, Kiva Courtyard, ASU West, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale 85306Join local 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their teachers as they visit the West campus for the traditional I Have a Dream speech and historical March on Washington reenactment. Interactive educational presentations before and after the March on West will help students understand the significance of Martin Luther Kings impact on our nation's history and in our lives. West campus faculty, staff and students . . . Don't miss the inspirational and traditional I have a dream speech reenacted by Charles St. Clair, and to cheer on these middle school students, accompanied by percussion and drum cadence, as they March on West!January 18-31Poster-essay contest entries from schoolchildren around the state will be on display at the Student Union at ASU Polytechnic, and also online.January 23Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration 7-9am in the La Sala Ballroom, ASU West, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale 85306For community members, students, winners of the poster-essay contest and their parents, teachers and principals. President Michael Crow and the celebration committee are hosts. By invitation. Information: 480-965-1985.MESAJanuary 13Candlelight Ceremony, 7pm at Mesa Community College Kirk Student Union Navajo Room, 1833 W. Southern Avenue.January 14Dinner Banquet, 7pm at Mesa Community College Kirk Student Union Navajo Room, 1833 W. Southern Avenue. Reception at 6pm.January 16Festival 12-5pm at Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main Street. Parade starts at 11am.PEORIAJanuary 1217th Annual "An Evening With A King" in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 7-10pm at Peoria Recreatonal Center, Lakeview Room, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road. Includes dinner, entertainment, education and information. Dr. Harold Bailey, Director of New Mexico African American Affairs is the keynote presenter.SCOTTSDALEJanuary 12Emmy award-winning journalist John Quiñones headlines the annual MLK Dinner Celebation.SURPRISEJanuary 5Annual Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, 8-10am, The Cimarron Center, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd. Includes a full-course meal, special musical performance, a keynote presentation by Glendale Community College president Dr. Irene Kovala, and participation by local ad state govenment officals.TEMPEJanuary 16The Tempe Human Relations Commission will host the 14th Annual Diversity Awards Brunch and Awards Ceremony, 9:30am, Buttes Resort, 2000 Westcourt Way.ASU Tempe Campus: Join the 27th anniversary celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by honoring his legacy and giving back to our community. For more information call 480-965-9600 or to register, visit http://volunteer.asu.edu.January 18-31Poster-essay contest entries from schoolchildren around the state will be on display at the Tempe campus Memorial Union, and also online.January 19ASU MLK Student Rally, 11:30am-1pm on Hayden Lawn, ASU Tempe, 699 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe 85281Featuring a talk by the 2012 Student Servant-Leadership Award winner, as well as presentations and cultural performances by other ASU students. Information: 480-965-6601.

AZMLK_12_Sponsorship.pdf

AZMLK_12_Vendor.pdf

AZMLK_12_Classic.pdf

PHOENIXJanuary 56-9pm MLK Festival AuditionsJanuary 710am-2pm MLK Festival AuditionsGateWay Community College, 108 N. 40th StreetAll types of talent with people/groups from diverse backgrounds welcome. The event is a family activity and audience as well as one for celebrating all people. You must have your schedule clear for MLK Day. Please share and post this information to your social networks.Contact: MLKPhoenix2012_gmail.com or JoAnn at 480-216-7779January 9-14MLK Basketball ClassicEastlake Park Gymnasium 602-262-67591549 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix 85034Two divisions: Men 18+ and Men 40+. Maximum 6 teams per division. Deadline to register is 4pm Friday, January 6. $250 per team. Informational meeting set for 11am Saturday, January 7 at Eastlake Park.Contact: Emmett Boyd or Marcus McGuire 602-262-6759January 12 - February 5MLK Youth Art ExhibitState Capitol West WingOpening Ceremony date to be determinedContact: Dr Eugene Grigsby 602-253-0668 or Roberto Frietz 602-364-2278January 136am MLK Torch RunClick here for route from Phoenix City Hall7am MLK Awards BreakfastSheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix 85003Contact: Andrea Weeks-Hardin 602-254-5081January 14-16Community Days of ServiceMLK Medical Building and Various LocationsContact: Ray Buchanan 602-534-2274 or Roberto Frietz 602-621-3681January 156pm Candlelight Ceremony ConcertPilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix 85034Contact: Rev. Dr. Henry Barnwell 602-276-4085January 169am MLK March beginning at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church1401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix 8503410am MLK Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park, 3rd Street & MorelandEmail questions to: info_azmlk.orgFor Festival information contact: Lanette Campbell 602-550-0034 For Entertainment information contact: Emmett Boyd 602-534-6923For City Parks & Rec information contact: cathleen.russo_phoenix.gov, 602-261-8578January 219am MLK Youth Celebration2pm Project B.R.A.V.E. presents "Rhyme Deferred" hip-hop playPhoenix College, 1202 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix 85013Contact: Dr. Camilla Westenberg 602-285-7365, Billy Ramsey 602-435-7411 or Brenda Williams 602-534-0558February (date to be determined)Black History BowlContact: Valerie Churchwell 602-722-3639March (date to be determined)Day of Thanksgiving Prayer BreakfastCarver Museum & Cultural CenterContact: Dr. Paul Eppinger 602-261-6704

Black Theatre Troupe 's "A Song for Coretta" by Pearl Cleage shows

Jan 13-22.

Looking for MLK Days of Service Volunteer Projects?

Click here for a list.

Be Involved

In these very troubled times when people are desperately seeking employment and housing as priorities, we know corporate focus now centers on healing today's wounds. We ask that you consider that sponsorship of our goals is a commitment to insuring a better future for all by producing more well educated, responsible, caring and thoughtful leaders.Should you join us in partnership as a sponsor, you will be helping us achieve the following goals:1) Continue the mission to build Dr. King's Beloved Community through community service and volunteerism;2) Educate our youth, assisting them financially in attaining college degrees; and3) Recognize with dignity those who give of their time, talent and treasure to insure a better quality of life for all Arizonans.Thank you, and we look forward to your favorable response and partnership as we continue to celebrate the works of Dr. King, to strive to fulfill his dream of strengthening the content of character of our young people, and together to Stand Up For Justice.
Register to become a Sponsor of the 2012 MLK Celebration. Download the form below.

AZMLK_12_Sponsorship.pdf

AZMLK_12_Vendor.pdf

AZMLK_12_Classic.pdf

Contact

Arizona OIC • 39 E. Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

T 602-254-5081 F 602-252-3598

Fill out the contact form below if you would like more information, and we will get back to you promptly.

WINNER!

Wealth

Manager

of the Year

Torch Run Map

MLK Torch Run Route

Depart at 6:15 a.m. from Phoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington StreetHead west on Washington Street to Arizona State CapitolProceed south on 17th Avenue to Jefferson StreetHead east on Jefferson Street to U.S. Airways ArenaProceed north on 2nd Street to Van Buren StreetHead east to Sheraton Phoenix DowntownArrive 6:50 a.m. at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. 3rd StreetTotal of 3.5 miles

Event Flyers