Annual Event is Scheduled for Monday, Jan. 18
DENTON, TX, Jan. 15, 2021 – While City offices will be closed on Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Denton Parks and Recreation will co-host its annual MLK Jr. Day celebration, which will include a march through the City and a virtual program. The MLK Jr. Day celebration is titled “A time to dream, achieve, and act.”
“While this year’s celebration is an abbreviated version, it is important to physically recognize the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way for us,” said Cheylon Brown, MLK Jr. Rec Center Manager.
“This has been an annual opportunity for people of diverse programs to unite and unity is needed in our country more than ever. Dr. King said, ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’ It is beautiful when people set aside differences for the betterment of all.”
The march will begin at 3 p.m. at Fred Moore Park (500 S. Bradshaw St.) and concludes at the MLK Jr. Rec Center (1300 Wilson St.). The march will lead off from the American Legion Hall Senior Center (629 Lakey St.). The ALH Senior Center is under construction and parking may not be available at this exact location.
The march is free and open to all ages; however, groups not belonging to the same household are asked to maintain 6 feet of distance from each other. Face coverings are also required.
When the march concludes at the MLK Jr. Rec Center, City staff will hand out 250 free, individually-wrapped meals to participants on a first-come, first-served basis. This catered meal will be in lieu of the typical post-reception dinner.
At 4:30 p.m., the Ministerial Alliance will host a virtual program from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. This program will be broadcasted live on the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church social media channels (https://www.facebook.com/mcbcdenton). Mayor Hudspeth and Councilwoman Birdia Johnson will give the opening greeting, with Elder Michael McWilliams of Dominion Word COGIC offering a prayer, and Pastor Henry Thomason of Hamilton Chapel giving the keynote address.
Contact: Gary Packan, (940) 349-7460, Gary.Packan@cityofdenton.com