KXCI Community Radio is proud to continue our long-standing tradition of honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Monday, January 20th, 2025, we invite you to join us for a day of featured programming as we reflect on his profound impact and enduring vision.
Beginning at 5 am, KXCI DJs will pay tribute to Dr. King. They will share music from Black artists, sounds of the civil rights era, excerpts from his historic speeches, and the voices of our community, weaving a rich tapestry that celebrates his life’s work and ongoing influence.
Dr. King’s powerful words and ideas continue to inspire action and hope. Each year, this day serves as a moment to reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and the future we can create together. This year’s community and national theme is Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.
We hope you will tune in and join us as we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, honor his vision, and reaffirm our commitment to work towards a better future for all.
2025 Community MLK Day Celebrations
We invite you to deepen your celebration by participating in events happening throughout the Tucson community.
The International Ministerial Alliance MLK Service is on Wednesday, January 17th, at 7:00 PM, hosted at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church (210 E. Lester St., Tucson, AZ). The service features special guest speaker Dr. DaMond T. Holt, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on justice, equality, and community unity. For more details, visit @IMACommunityActionTeam on Facebook.
On Saturday, January 18th, Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood will hold its 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast at the Kay Cee Club, 601 S. Tucson Blvd. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 am and the program begins at 8:00 am. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcomed. Proceeds from the breakfast will provide scholarships for youth. For more information, please contact James Christopher at 520-850-3832.
On January 18th, from 1 to 6 pm, the YWCA of Southern Arizona and the League of Women Voters will host their Annual National Day of Racial Healing program at the 525 North Bonita Campus. This year’s theme is How We Heal from The Effects of Racism. The day’s events will include speakers, a youth panel, cultural performers, and food.
Join the Tucson MLK Celebration 2025 on Monday, January 20th, at Reid Park to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This family-centered event runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, beginning with a Commemorative March at 10:00 AM at the Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center, followed by a festival celebration. The theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365,” sets the tone for a day filled with live music, inspirational speeches, food vendors, and local retail and community booths. Admission is free, and all are welcome to join in this inspiring and unifying celebration. For more information, visit MLK Tucson Celebration on Facebook.
A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day free Community Sing will take place Monday, January 20th, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm at The Pima Friends Meeting Room on 931 N 5th Ave.
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.
All ages are welcome, with free refreshments and dedicated parking—call (520) 628-9616 for more information.
The Tucson Jazz Festival presents the FREE Downtown Jazz Fiesta at Corbett’s (340 N 6th Ave) on January 20th. With 2 stages of non-stop music, top-notch local and national artists, and food from local vendors. Headlining this all-ages event is Grammy-nominated New Breed Brass Band from New Orleans, led by Jenard Andrews, bringing joyful, next-generation jazz. The festivities run from 11 am until 7 pm.
SCHEDULE
Corbett’s Stage
11:00 AM Tucson Modern Jazz Quartet
12:15 PM Sarah Tolar
1:45 PM UA Jazz Ambassadors
3:30 PM West by Northwest
5:30 PM Ada Redd Austin
Mainstage
11:30 AM TJI Ellington Big Band
1:00 PM Heather Hardy and Taste of Jazz
2:30 PM Zona Libre
4:30 PM New Breed Brass Band
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is excited to host their third annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 20th.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, established as a federal holiday in 1983 and designated as a National Day of Service in 1914, remains the only federal holiday dedicated to community service. This day honors Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community.
Celebrate his legacy by volunteering and contributing to the betterment of Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day free screening of the acclaimed documentary, I Am MLK Jr. at the Loft Cinema at 5 pm. I Am MLK Jr. celebrates the life and explores the character of an American icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The film provides intimate, first-hand insights on Dr. King while on his journey across the Civil Rights Movement, exploring moments of personal challenge and an ongoing movement that is as important today as when Dr. King first shone a light on the plight of his fellow Black Americans. Filmed in historic churches where Dr. King preached and heightened by the music that buoyed the Civil Rights Movement, I Am MLK Jr. features a powerful cast ranging from history-changing activists to contemporary writers and outspoken celebrities. Each interview provides a unique perspective on Dr. King, his legacy and why this history matters today. (Dir. by John Barbisan & Michael Hamilton, 2018, Canada, 95 mins., Not Rated)
