Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 20, 2025
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed every year on the third Monday in January. As an official U of A holiday, this day presents an opportunity to reflect, learn, and contribute to the Tucson community. Dr. King’s connection to Tucson began in 1956, when he was leading the Montgomery bus boycott. Yet, it’s lesser known that King visited the U of A to deliver lectures as part of the Sunday Evening Forum in 1959 and 1962. The newspaper clippings of King’s visits to Tucson can be viewed in the Mary Jeffries Bruce and the Sunday Evening Forum collection at the U of A Library.
Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights and his vision for a Beloved Community rings true to Arizona Arts’ calling to “find your creative community.” Find creative community and celebrate MLK Jr. by viewing an art exhibit, walking in a commemorative march, and participating in community-building activities that Dr. King championed throughout his life.
Celebrating Dr. King
- Hank Willis Thomas: LOVERULES Exhibition
- Critical awareness, civic engagement, collaboration and empathy are core invitations in Thomas’ work. In 2023, Thomas designed a permanent monument called The Embrace, representing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King’s love and powerful presence in Boston, MA. The LOVERULES exhibition follows this vein and is available to view from January 18 through June 21 at The University of Arizona Museum of Art. Mark your calendar for a conversation with The Artist and The Collector on February 15 at the Center for Creative Photography.
- MLK Day Commemorative March & Festival
- The Parade begins at 8:00a at MLK Jr. Way (36th St. & Kino) in Tucson and ends at Reid Park. MLK Day Celebration is from 10:00a – 3:00p at Reid Park.
- MLK Day of Service
- Organized by AmeriCorps, this day of service is dedicated to Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and positive change. Volunteers will engage in projects that benefit the Tucson community and beyond.
- African American Museum of Southern Arizona
- Explore the rich history and culture of African Americans in Southern Arizona. The museum is open to the public on Wednesday, January 16 through Saturday, January 18 from 10a to 3/4p, located on the Campus of the University of Arizona, Student Union Room 244. Park in the 2nd Street Garage.