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 19th, 2026, from 7 am to 8 pm, we invite you to join us for a day of featured programming as we reflect on his profound impact and enduring vision.
Beginning at 7 am, KXCI DJs Mario, Minister Jo, Mookie, C.J. Boyd, and Tyina 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 voices from 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. Tucson’s MLK Celebration is honored to mirror the King Center’s theme: “Mission Possible II: Building a Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
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.
2026 Community MLK Day Celebrations
We invite you to deepen your celebration by participating in events happening throughout the Tucson community.
International Ministerial Alliance MLK Service
The International Ministerial Alliance MLK Service is on Friday, January 16th, at 7:00 pm, hosted at Grace Temple MBC, 1019 E. 31st Street, Tucson, Arizona. The service features special guest speaker Dr. DaMond T. Holt, IMA President, 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.
36th Annual MLK Breakfast
On Saturday, January 17th, Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood will hold its 36th Annual MLK Breakfast at the Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse.
This beloved community event honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., brings neighbors together, and raises funds to support educational and recreational programs for local youth.
Keynote Speaker: Boys and Girls Club Tucson Interim CEO Tony Penn–Breakfast: 7:30 am–Program: 8:00 am–2585 E. 36th Street, Tucson, AZ
Want to support our kids? Donations and raffle items are welcome! Every contribution helps neighborhood youth reach their goals. For more info or to donate, please contact: James Christopher – (520) 850-3832
National Day of Racial Healing
Also on Saturday, January 17th, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Tucson’s 4th Annual National Day of Racial Healing gathering will take place at the YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 North Bonita Campus. The day’s event will include a community discussion, a youth talking circle activity, and food.
Sing for Freedom
A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day free Community Sing will take place Sunday, January 18th, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm at The Pima Friends Meeting Hall on 931 N 5th Ave.
Singing together was a critical part of the Civil Rights Movement as they built 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 with these classic songs.
All ages are welcome, with free refreshments and dedicated parking—call (520) 628-9616 for more information.
Tucson MLK Celebration 2026
Join the Tucson MLK Celebration 2026 on Monday, January 19th, 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. Tucson’s MLK Celebration is honored to mirror the King Center’s theme: “Mission Possible II: Building a Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” Setting 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.
Tucson Jazz Fiesta
The Tucson Jazz Festival presents the free Downtown Jazz Fiesta at Corbett’s, 340 N 6th Ave, on Monday, January 19th. With 2 stages of non-stop music, top-notch local and national artists, and food from local vendors. Headlining this all-ages event is New Orleans brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit Cha Wa radiates the energy of the city’s street culture.
Corbett’s Stage
11:00 am THMS Jazz Ensemble
12:15 pm The Jazztechs
1:45 pm Liz Cracchiolo
3:35 pm Agua de Coco
5:30 pm Soul Essential
Mainstage
11:30 am TJI Ellington Big Band
1:00 pm Joe Bourne – The Music of Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls
2:30 pm Cha Wa
4:30 pm Low Down Brass Band
4th Annual MLK Day of Service
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is excited to host their 4th Annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19th.
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.
Free MLK Day Screening of Sinners at the Loft Cinema
Monday, January 19th at 4:30 pm–Free Admission–Tickets Available DAY OF at Box Office
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a free screening of Ryan Coogler’s acclaimed blockbuster SINNERS! See it again on the big screen before Academy Award nominations are announced on January 22!
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) return to their Mississippi hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. The latest film from acclaimed writer/director Ryan Coogler (Creed, Black Panther) is a rip-roaring, culturally-potent exploration of the Black American experience, told through a fusion of masterful visual storytelling, electrifying music and vicious horror, co-starring Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo and Saul Williams. (Dir. by Ryan Coogler, 2025, USA, 137 min., Rated R)
