KXCI Community Radio has a long-standing tradition of honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, KXCI will honor the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 15th, with special programming from 7 am to 10 pm. DJs Mario, Minister Jo, C.J. Boyd, Traci, Mookie, and Dr. Steptoe will pay tribute to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day will include music from Black artists, music from the civil rights era, segments from historic King speeches, community voices, and more.
Dr. King’s powerful voice and ideas continue to inspire, and each year offers an opportunity to reflect upon where we have been, where we are, and where we hope to go together.
This year’s community theme is “Equality, Justice, Love,” and the national theme is “Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.” Join us by tuning in as we honor the life and work of Dr. King and continue to work towards a better future for all.
Listen below to messages from community members that we’re aired throughout the day and listen back to our two-week archive for the music programs.
From Grace Temple Baptist Church, Pastor Grady Scott
TUSD Director of African American Student Services, Dr. Tonya Strozier
The Dunbar Pavillion Executive Director, Freda Marshall
President of Tucson Juneteenth Festival, Larry Starks
From Grace Temple Baptist Church, Pastor Grady Scott
President of Tucson Juneteenth Festival, Larry Starks
The Dunbar Pavillion Executive Director, Freda Marshall
From Grace Temple Baptist Church, Pastor Grady Scott
President of Tucson Juneteenth Festival, Larry Starks
And we invite you to deepen your celebration by participating in events happening throughout the Tucson community.
2024 Community MLK Day Celebrations
The African American Museum of Southern Arizona will celebrate their first anniversary with an open house from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, January 13th, and Sunday, January 14th, from 2 pm to 4 pm. Then, on MLK Day, they will be open following the Tucson MLK Celebration from 2 to 3:30 pm.
MLK Day Parade 8 am UArizona “The Bridge” 36th Street and MLK Jr. Way followed by the Tucson MLK Celebration 10 am to 2 pm at the Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center. Visit the MLK Celebration Tucson Facebook page for more information.
The MLK Basketball Classic, commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is an annual community event of high school basketball games played at McKale Center at the University of Arizona. The games begin at 8 am for this family-friendly event. Learn more here.
ICS is Collecting Essential Supplies for MLK Day of Service
In commemoration of the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service on January 15, 2024, Interfaith Community Services is collecting diapers and wipes, adult incontinence supplies, and menstrual products for community members in need. These supplies will be distributed through ICS food banks.
MLK Day of Service, organized by AmeriCorps, is a celebration of the civil rights leader’s life and legacy. People across the country step up to improve their communities through unity, service, and transformation. All Americans are encouraged to take action to build the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream. Visit icstucson.org/mlkday for more information.
Culminating on Monday, January 15, donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
ICS Northwest Food Bank, 2820 W. Ina Rd
on the campus of Christ the King Episcopal Church
Thursday 01/11: 8 am to 6:30 pm
Friday 01/12: 8 am to 4 pm
Saturday 01/13: 8 am to 11 am
ICS Central Office, 122 N. Craycroft Rd
on the campus of Rincon Congregational UCC
Monday-Friday: 9 am to 4 pm
ICS Eastside Food Drop-off, 8701 E. Old Spanish Trail
on the campus of New Spirit Lutheran Church
Monday-Friday: 8 am to 1 pm
Free Community Sing
Repurposing a variety of songs, black, white, women, and men alike were matching their mission: to fuel the fires of discontent with the segregationist and militarist status quo of their day. Singing together, they were building a community of courage and hope to challenge the hate and fears they faced. Join Ted Warmbrand and other community singers to rekindle your hope and courage.
3:30 pm to 5 pm Little Chapel Of All Nations 1401 E 1st St
All ages are welcome, with free refreshments and dedicated parking—call (520) 628-9616 for more information.
United Way of Southern Arizona MLK Day of Service
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is proud to present their second annual MLK Day of Service. While Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1983, it wasn’t until 1994 that it became a National Day of Service. To this day, it is the only federal holiday that is designated as a National Day of Service. MLK Day is used as a day of service to continue Dr. King’s legacy of achieving a Beloved Community. Please join the community in honoring Dr. King by volunteering to help us all build a better community.
Downtown Jazz Fiesta Tucson Jazz Festival
Tucson Jazz Festival 2024 invites you to partake in their annual FREE festival, the Downtown Jazz Fiesta, now relocated to a vibrant new setting at Corbett’s. With two stages, the day will be filled with music featuring top-notch local and national artists. The lively streets will also host local food trucks ensuring a delightful experience for music enthusiasts and families of all ages.
This year, don’t miss the electrifying performance by TJF Artist in Residence, Ken Peplowski, who will be collaborating with the University of Arizona Studio Jazz Ensemble headlining the event. Renowned as one of the finest saxophone players of his generation, Mr. Peplowski is not only an exceptional musician but also a remarkable teacher.
Anticipate a day filled with dancing, singing, and smiles. All that’s missing is you! The festivities kick off at 11 am and continue into the night.
SCHEDULE
Corbett’s Stage
11:00 AM Mariachi Rayos del Sol de Tucson High
12:15 PM Arthur Vint and Associates
1:45 PM Kresten Osgood Trio
3:30 PM Delbert Anderson Quartet
5:30 PM Ada Redd Austin
7th Street Stage
11:30 AM Mr. Boogiewoogie and the Weed Whackers
1:00 PM Katherine Byrnes
2:30 PM Zona Libre
4:30 PM Ken Peplowski, Artist in Residence w/ UA Jazz Big Band
