Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2024 Commemoration
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated as a day of thoughtful engagement and reflections on injustice—a way of continuing the work necessary to realize Dr. King’s dream for our nation. In Dr. King, the Black resistance movement found a champion with the revolutionary vision, the political savvy and the oratory ability to spark ’s conscience. Though he our imagination and capture the nationwas not the first to advocate for racial equality, with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Dr. King and many of his allies incorporated within America’s governance framework the enduring ideal that all people are equal and thus deserve to be treated as such.
Speaking to a crowd of 5,000 at the University of Denver’s Field House in 1967, Dr. King said, “I am in the heart-changing business. But if morality can’t be legislated, behavior can be regulated.” This signaled what was true then and still is true today: the pathway to a more racially just society goes through the hearts and minds of individuals and the laws and regulations of our institutions.” Even as we do the necessary work of transforming ourselves and our institutions, we are guided by Dr. King’s words and the understanding that the hard work of ensuring and protecting racial equity never ends.
From the Words of Dr. King
"Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution" | March 31st, 1968
"There comes a time when one must take the position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must do it because conscience tells him it is right. I believe today that there is a need for all people of goodwill to come with a massive act of conscience and say in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "We ain’t goin’ study war no more." This is the challenge facing modern man.
Let me close by saying that we have difficult days ahead in the struggle for justice and peace, but I will not yield to a politic of despair. I’m going to maintain hope as we come to Washington in this campaign. The cards are stacked against us. This time we will really confront a Goliath. God grant that we will be that David of truth set out against the Goliath of injustice, the Goliath of neglect, the Goliath of refusing to deal with the problems, and go on with the determination to make America the truly great America that it is called to be.
I say to you that our goal is freedom, and I believe we are going to get there because however much she strays away from it, the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be as a people, our destiny is tied up in the destiny of America." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We encourage you to visit The King Center’s website for more information on the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Resources
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Resources | Cornell University Library
This guide is divided into 10 different categories. Each is designed to give the researcher ideas on how to track down material relating to King's legacy.
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King Resources Overview | Stanford: The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute
The King Institute provides access to thousands of documents, photographs, and publications about the modern African American Freedom Struggle.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day classroom resources | PBS NewsHour Classroom
Examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with these lesson plans and videos.
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Classroom and Parent Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Videos, primary source documents, lesson plans, and mini-courses about the life and legacy of Dr. King.
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A Dozen Resources to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | National Council of Teachers of English
In anticipation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, engage with these classroom resources focused on Dr. King and texts he wrote. The materials below, all from ReadWriteThink.org, range from mini-lessons to complete units and span all grade bands.
Additional Colorado Resources & Happenings
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
The purpose of the Statewide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission is to unify and educate communities within the State of Colorado and encourage appropriate observations, ceremonies and activities in commemoration of the federal holiday and state legal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout all the towns, cities, school districts, counties and local governments within Colorado.
The King Center
The annual King Holiday Observance is a time that we celebrate, commemorate and honor the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Global citizens will have unique opportunities to learn and unite in celebration of Dr. King’s groundbreaking work and Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s powerful continuation and formal institutionalization of that work through a variety of engaging events hosted by The King Center leading up to The King Holiday on January 15th, 2024.
Videos
Racial Healing Panel: MLK Day Celebration, 2022
Racial Healing Panel: Critical Conversations to Coalition Building (MLK, Jr. Day | 2024)
January 16, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at the University of Denver for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration event – Day of Racial Healing Panel.
Engage in an enlightening lunch and learn session featuring our community members sharing insights and fostering critical dialogue for racial coalition building. Enjoy a delicious meal provided by a local Black-owned caterer. Let's honor Dr. King's legacy by advancing dialogue and solidarity.
The Security of Justice: MLK Day Celebration, 2024
Inaugural Black Community Initiatives Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration | Lift Your Voice and Sing
DU's Inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrating the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We are honored to have Representative Leslie Herod join us as a speaker for this event. Alongside conversation, there will also be a myriad of performances; including spoken word, singers and choirs.
In collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, this event will promote a community service component that will include a book donation drive. The books will be distributed to unhoused children in the local Denver community. Sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission.
Music Playlists
Spotify | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
A playlist that truly honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This playlist includes his own recorded inspirational words, including his "I Have a Dream" speech. Interspersed are some of the reverend's favorite songs, music from civil rights themed movies, and songs that honor this man and his ideals.
YouTube | MLK Speeches Playlist
A collection of speeches from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from the years 1961 - 1968.
Apple Music | Martin Luther King, Jr.
Music that embodies, or is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King's message of freedom and hope. Curated by Kathryn Johnston.