The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate and praise the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King's character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit. As numerous events take place to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we have compiled a guide of celebrations for this year's MLK Day in the City of Wichita.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MLK City of Wichita Parade
Hosted by Christian Faith Centre
At 10 a.m. on January 13 at the Christian Faith Centre (1130 S. Broadway Wichita, KS 67211)
Join the MLK City of Wichita Parade and bring your cars, trucks, horses, motorcycles, etc. This parade honors Dr. King and to march and serve our community during a unprecedented time of unity. This parade in joined by Kansas Gas Service, Quik Trip, T-Mobile, Urban Prep Academy, City of Wichita and the Christian Faith Centre along with activites centered on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
To sign up for the parade please contact Bishop Wade Moore, Jr. (316) 304-5479.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration & Awards Luncheon
Hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Eta Beta Lambda Chapter
In partnership with Delta Mu Chapter
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on January 13 in the Rhatigan Student Center Beggs Ballroom at Wichita State University (1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, KS 67260)
Join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. for a special event at Wichita State University to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. You are invited to celebrate the life and achievements of this influential leader who fought tirelessly for civil rights and equality. The event will feature a luncheon where we will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the community. Come and be inspired by the powerful words and lasting impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Let us continue his mission of creating a more just and inclusive society. Do not miss out on this opportunity to reflect and honor the great legacy of this remarkable leader!
8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Heroes and Sheroes Breakfast
7:30 a.m. on January 15 in the Rhatigan Student Center Beggs Ballroom at Wichita State University (1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, KS 67260)
The 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Heroes and Sheroes Scholarship Awards Breakfast will celebrate MLK Heroes and Sheroes, sing spirituals and present the 8th Annual Dr. Evies Cranford-ARISE Rising Star (ECARS) recurring scholarship to a deserving local student.
Breakfast tickets are $30 each.
For more information, please contact us at (316) 258-2749 or email Gerald Norwood, gerald.norwood@att.net.
MLK Day of Service
Hosted by Wichita Habitat for Humanity
8:00 to 11:30 a.m. on January 15 at Century II Expo Hall (225 W. Douglas Ave. Wichita, KS 67202)
The official MLK Day of Service is booked. Please remember: Dr. King's legacy of service extends far beyond a single day. We encourage you to keep his spirit alive throughout the year, especially in the cold, winter months by finding ways to give back and engage in your community.
Here are a few ideas:
- Explore upcoming Wichita Habitat builds by visiting wichitahabitat.volunteerhub.com. Search for events tagged with "MLK" or any build for future volunteer opportunities. We rely on your helping hands throughout the year to build safe, affordable homes for local families who are ready to take on homeownership.
- Donate to Wichita Habitat for Humanity: Your financial support allows us to purchase materials and continue building strong communities.
- Volunteer with other local organizations: Like our MLK Day of Service, where we are partnering with the Kansas Food Bank to stock the pantires for hardworking families, many incredible organizations in Wichita strive to address different needs in our community. Find one that aligns with your passions and skills!
- Perform random acts of kindness: From offering a helping hand to a neighbor to simply smiling at a stranger, every act of generosity-whether big or small- makes a difference.
2024 MLK Luncheon – Shifting the Cultural Climate
Hosted by Greater Wichita Ministerial League
2 to 4 p.m. on January 15 at the Eugene M. Hughes Metroplex Complex of Wichita State University (5015 East 29th St. N, Wichita, KS 67220)
Join the Greater Wichita Ministerial League for a fantastic luncheon honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Come together with like-minded individuals to commemorate Dr. MLK's inspiring message of equality, justice, and peace. Let's celebrate his enduring impact on our society and continue his work towards a better future for all.
16th Annual MLK Commemoration
Hosted by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
6 pm on January 31 at the Cadman Art Gallery in the Rhatigan Student Center at Wichita State University (1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, KS 67260).
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration highlights and memorializes the work, accomplishments and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With keynote speaker Kyle Ellison.
Ellison is the Founding Director of Khan Lab School Wichita. He was born and raised in Wichita’s neglected southside, graduated from Northeast Magnet High School, and learned grassroots organizing, community-building, and social justice strategies as the 16-year-old president of Hope Street Youth Development. Ellison earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in Communications at Wichita State University. He has served in leadership roles across multiple industries, including telecommunications, and an app startup company. Kyle returned to his roots in youth leadership, serving as the first Executive Director of Real Men Real Heroes. Taking the organization through an expansion and rebranding in 2022 to Heroes Academy. Ellison values education and the immense value education holds in fostering innovation, critical thinking, and personal growth. He believes learning goes beyond traditional academic subjects by encouraging students to explore their imagination, express themselves and develop skills essential for success in various aspects of life. For his pioneering work, he’s received recognition from the Wichita Business Journal 40 Under 40, Wichita Urban Professionals Professional of the Year, Wichita State University Alumni Association Young Alumni Award, and the Kansas Nonprofit Chamber 2019 Emerge and Lead Class. Most recently, Kyle was the 2023 H.N. Sims Excellence in Education awardee given by the Wichita NAACP.
We will also recognize the 2024 Drum Major Award recipients.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award is presented to a Wichita State University administrator, faculty, staff or student who seeks greatness, but does so through service and love. This award is presented annually by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion during the on-campus Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration.
Event Submissions
Would you like to add your event onto this list? If so, please email your submissions to diversity@wichita.edu.