Since 1983, the OKC Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Coalition has sought to host events that celebrate the life and work of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2017, the OKCMLK group’s King Holiday Parade features the theme A Time for Change Is Now.
Billed as “representing the true spirit of the modern Civil Rights Movement” by OKCMLK, a traditional silent march will set out at 9 a.m. from the corner of Martin Luther King Avenue and Northeast 23rd Street and proceed west to the south steps of the State Capitol.
After arriving at the Capitol, OKCMLK will host the annual bell-ringing ceremony at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Shortly thereafter, the King Holiday Program will be presented at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.
The actual parade will then take place between 2 and 5 p.m., according to a Facebook event page, and will depart from St. Paul’s.
Concurrent with the parade and other events, a job fair for anyone seeking employment will also be held beginning at 9 a.m. Monday at Douglass High School, 900 N. Martin Luther King Ave. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally and bring their résumés.
On Sunday, the NAACP and local Jewish community will host a cross-cultural community gathering at 6 p.m. Sunday at Temple B’nai Israel, 4901 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Those who would like more information or to volunteer to help with this year’s parade are encouraged to call William Jones at (405) 306-8440 or visit www.okcmlk.org.
About OKCMLK
The OKC Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Coalition is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a project of the National Association of Black Social Workers. The group states its mission as follows on its website:
Our organization seeks to honor the memory and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by holding events that celebrate his life and work, as well as continue his values and aspirations for equality and justice for all people.
