42nd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration – “Lift Every Voice: Be Courageous, Seek Justice, Show Love”
Presented by: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee, City of Fresno
Friday, January 16, 2026 – Garlanding Ceremony – 11:45AM at Courthouse Park
Location: Van Ness Avenue and Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Welcome presented by District 3 Councilmember Miguel Arias and County Supervisor Luis Chavez. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Michele Cantwell-Copher, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. The ceremony will also feature the King Elementary School Dancers and over 150 students from Fresno Unified and other local school districts. Contact: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor (559) 435-2212 or Gail Gaston (559) 681-3140
Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Clovis Police Department Community Breakfast – 9:00AM
Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 Fourth St. Clovis, CA 93612
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, President, California State University, Fresno. Tickets $5 each (pre-payment required). Contact: Erin Ford-Horio (559) 324-2476 or erinf@clovisca.gov
Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Vigil – 2:00PM at Impact Church
Location: 1461 N. Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703
Contact: Pastor Edward Thomas (559) 473-5493
Monday, January 20, 2025 – City of Fresno March – 9:30AM- 10:45AM
Location: St. John’s Cathedral 2814 Mariposa St, Fresno, CA 93721
Marchers will assemble at St. John’s Cathedral at 9:30AM. March begins at 10:00 AM, stops at Fresno City Hall, then proceeds to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at 2425 Fresno Street for the Commemoration Program. Contact: James Lett III (559) 284- 6420 or Gail Gaston (559) 681-3140
Monday, January 19, 2026 – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program and Community Awards 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM at Veterans Memorial Auditorium
Location: 2425 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Join us to celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions to community diversity and our enriched culture. The program will include the presentation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Awardees (Education Award – Dr. Lisa Mitchell; Civil Service Award – Dr. Peter Robertson; Kimber Community Service Award – Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), music, and a fireside chat with Central USD Superintendent, Dr. Mark Marshall. This year’s host is ABC30’s Jessica Harrington. Contact: Terri Kimber Edwards (559) 908-0639 or Eric Payne at Eric.paynecmc@gmail.com
Other M.L.K. events happening throughout Fresno you may wish to attend…
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Salute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon at 11:30 AM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2233 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Fresno, CA 93721 Tickets: $40 Register here.
Friday, January 9, 2026 – Jazz Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – 9:00AM-12:00PM
Dr. Robert Mikell pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. King through commentary and music composed and recorded by Jazz artists who supported the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech will be played in its entirety.
Thursday, January 15, 2026 – Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Rev. Dr. M.L.K. Art, Essay and Speech Contest Reception – 5:00PM at Clovis Veterans Memorial District
Location: 808 4th Street, Clovis, CA 93612. Contact: Dr. Jeff Hunt jhunt@fcoe.org
Thursday, January 16, 2025 – West Fresno Ministerial Alliance Prayer Breakfast – 7:00AM at Cornerstone Conference Center
Location: 1525 Fulton St, Fresno, CA 93721. Keynote Speaker: Bishop Kenneth Ulmer. Contact Bishop Paul Binion (paulbinion@wscog.org).
Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Countdown to King Rally at 1:00PM at Impact Church
Location: 1461 N. Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703. Spirit-filled worship service includes music and an encouraging message of peace, unity, equality and love. Contact edwardthomas858@icloud.com
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