Tucson Honors Dr. King with March and Community Service Events

Tucson, Arizona, is set to honor the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15, 2024, with a day filled with community service and a commemorative march. The annual MLK Day Celebration will begin at 10 a.m. at Reid Park, where participants will gather for a prayer before embarking on a three-mile march around the park’s perimeter.

Event organizers, Chair Grady Scott and Vice Chair Larry Starks, emphasize accessibility for all participants. A van will accompany the march, offering support to those needing a break during the event. This year’s theme reflects Dr. King’s commitment to peaceful resistance, as Scott noted, “We’ve not yet achieved the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King—of a unified America.”

Following the march, attendees will return to the Reid Park Amphitheater for a program featuring music and poetry performances on the park lawn.

Community Service as a Tribute

In 1994, the U.S. Congress designated MLK Day as a “Day of Service,” urging Americans to engage in community service as part of their observance. Starks highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that the black community has long recognized this day as a time for service, not just reflection. “It’s not just to commemorate Martin Luther King on one day; it’s throughout the year,” he said.

Scott echoed this sentiment, referencing Dr. King’s belief that “anyone could be great because anyone can serve.” This philosophy underpins the day’s activities, encouraging participants to contribute actively to their communities.

To facilitate this, the United Way of Arizona is promoting two specific community service projects for volunteers throughout the day.

The first initiative focuses on Buffelgrass Removal near the Desert Museum. Volunteers will work to eliminate this invasive species that threatens native plants and increases wildfire risk. Participants will meet at the Desert Museum Education Annex Breezeway and hike approximately 1.5 miles to the project site, engaging in hands-on outdoor work under the guidance of project leaders.

The second project involves VITA & EITC Community Outreach at Dunbar Pavilion. Volunteers will assist the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) team by distributing flyers in the Dunbar neighborhood to promote the tax assistance site and raise awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit. This outreach aims to ensure community members are informed about the free tax preparation services available to them.

For those looking to participate in these projects, further information can be found on the United Way of Arizona’s website.

As Tucsonans come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy, the day’s events serve as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and community service. The spirit of Dr. King’s message continues to resonate, inspiring individuals to take action and contribute to a brighter future.