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This Monday we will be celebrating the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here’s how the civil rights leader continues to have a presence in Austin + what you can do to honor his legacy.
MLK in Austin
- In 1962, he spoke at UT Austin’s Texas Union building about nonviolence, and even stayed overnight at the university.
- In 1976, 19th Street was renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
- The bronze statue of Dr. King located on UT Austin’s campus was unveiled in September 1999.
Honoring Dr. King this year
Even though the City of Austin’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day march scheduled for Jan. 17 is now canceled due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, here’s what you can do locally to honor his life and legacy.
- MLK Youth Legacy Awards | Sat., Jan. 15 | 3 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join this awards ceremony organized by the Austin Heritage Council on Facebook Live, where eight high school students in the Austin community will be presented with scholarships.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Food Drive | Mon., Jan. 17 | All day | Kingsbury Commons, 1100 Kingsbury St. | Donations accepted | Help give back to the community by donating canned goods at this food drive, which is in support of the Central Texas Food Bank.
- MLK Rally | Mon., Jan. 17 | Time TBD | Virtual | Free | Details will be announced soon on how to attend this event virtually.
- MLK March & Celebration | Sat., Jan. 15-Mon., Jan. 17 | Times vary | Locations vary | Free | Just south of Austin, this three-day celebration includes children’s activities, a festival, and a wreath-laying ceremony.