On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we commemorate Dr. King's legacy of nonviolent activism and his pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Oklahoma City has the third largest Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in the United States. The OKC MLK Alliance has organized this event for 40 years and has made it into not only one of the largest but the most diverse in the country.
This year’s celebration will host a variety of different events throughout the weekend going into the holiday:
Saturday, January 18, 2025
- MLK Community Health Fair (Hosted by OU Health)
Creston Hills Church of Christ, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
At the MLK Community Health Fair, you’ll find a diverse range of activities and resources focused on improving health outcomes and fostering a sense of community. Discover local health organizations and connect with experts passionate about creating a more equitable society.
- Gospel Extravaganza (Hosted Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.)
Tabernacle Baptist Church, 6 p.m.
A highlight of the MLK celebration, the extravaganza features performances by exceptional Oklahoma gospel artists honoring Dr. King's legacy through music and community engagement.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
- Annual Martin Luther King Program
St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 3:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to all. It features an invocation, speeches from community leaders, music and a benediction.
- Cross-Cultural Dinner & Program (Hosted by NAACP and Temple B'nai Isreal)
Science Museum Oklahoma, 6 p.m.
The OKC MLK Alliance invites members of the community to come a memorial dinner celebrating the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 20, 2025
- Dr. King Prayer Breakfast (Hosted by the Midwest City Committee)
Reed Conference Center, 7:30 a.m.
The Midwest City Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast honors and celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King through prayer, inspirational messages, live entertainment and more.
- MLK Job Fair
Douglass High School, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The MLK Job Fair provides employers with the opportunity to meet and assess eligible candidates and match them with open and entry-level jobs.
- Opening Ceremony & Silent March
Clara Luper Freedom Center, 9 a.m.
The opening program celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering commitment to equality, justice and unity. The event culminates with a powerful silent march held in the style of the early civil rights movement marches, ending at the Oklahoma History Center.
- National Belling Ringing Salute
Oklahoma History Center, immediately following the Silent March (approx. 10:30 a.m.)
On January 20, 1986, the first national King Holiday was observed. Mrs. King requested that a bell-ringing ceremony be held in Philadelphia at Independence Hall to launch the celebration of the holiday. The holiday is now observed by the ringing of the Liberty Bell as a symbol of freedom and justice.
- Annual Martin Luther King Program
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 12:15 p.m.
If you missed the first program, no worries. A second program will be held on Monday; the parade immediately follows, starting from a nearby location.
- The MLK Parade
NW 5th & Walker, 2 p.m.
The OKC MLK Alliance has worked diligently to make this event inclusive of all races, creeds and religions. The number of parade participants and onlookers suggests they’ve been successful.
If you’re planning on attending the parade on Monday afternoon, arrive downtown early and check out the FREE MLK Day at the Myriad Gardens. Beginning at 10 a.m., you’ll have the opportunity to view the latest art exhibit, Fantasies, Forms & Florals – A Look Into Wonder and Abstraction, and meet the artists Debra Martin and Jaiye Farrell; with live music from Oklahoma City musician Sarafina Byrd.
At 11 a.m., you’ll hear performances from the Society of Urban Poets and the OK Collegiate Gospel Choir, as well as a recitation of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
At noon, join artist Debra Martin for an art lesson and activity entitled Myths & Folklore in Black History.
By attending the Myriad’s MLK Day events, you’ll also get free admission into the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.
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