Aurora’s annual month-long commemoration of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. begins Friday, with events planned through the month. 

The commemoration, which is in its 38th year in the city of Aurora, is themed “capturing the dream” this year and is open to everyone, according to a city news release.

The federal and state official holiday Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 15. 

Sara Valencich, Aurora’s diversity, equity and inclusion officer, called the events a “heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit and influence of Dr. King.”

“We feel a profound sense of privilege in orchestrating this event series,” Valencich said. “The realization of these impactful events is a testament to the shared vision and unwavering dedication of our invaluable community partners.”

An opening celebration is planned from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Aurora Municipal Center lobby and Paul Tauer Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy. and will include dancing, music, refreshments and theater performances to celebrate MLK’s legacy. 

Other events throughout the month are as follows:

Friday, Jan. 5

• 6 to 9 p.m. at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.: Youth talent showcase for children between 6 and 19 years old. The showcase is put on by the National Association of Colored People (NAACP) Aurora Chapter and Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism.

Wednesday, Jan. 10

• 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Pkwy.: Discussion panel including a brief lecture about MLK’s visits to Denver and a discussion reflecting on his legacy. RSVP is required by emailing officeofdei@auroragov.org.

Friday, Jan. 12

• 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Quebec Place Event Center, 430 S. Quebec St. in Denver: Interfaith breakfast with special guests Poonam and Everett Moore. RSVPs need to be made by emailing officeofdei@auroragov.org.
• 4 to 8 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 13696 E. Iliff Place: Summit that aims to develop trust and connection as a foundation for future public safety, law enforcement and community collaboration It is hosted by the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance and facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice and Community Relations Services.
• 7 p.m. streamed live at AuroraTV.org: Community College of Aurora virtual student film fest.

Saturday, Jan. 13

• 11 a.m. to noon at Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave: Wreath laying ceremony
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave: community service project helping assemble and sort hygiene kits and care items for Aurora Public Schools students and families in need. RSVP required.

Sunday, Jan. 14

• 4 p.m. at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 S. Dayton St.: Ecumenical service honoring Coach Prime Deion Sanders, Dr. Syl Morgan-Smith and former Mayor Michael Hancock 

Monday, Jan. 15

• 2024 MLK Marade begins at 9:30 a.m. at City Park in Denver. 
• 6 p.m. at the Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St.: MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo 

Tuesday, Jan. 23

• 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Community College of Aurora Rotunda, 16000 E. Centretech Parkway: Community College of Aurora MLK Jr. luncheon