NEW ORLEANS – Mayor Mitch Landrieu and the New Orleans Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission announced the schedule of events for the City’s 29th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday celebration. This year's official week-long celebration of events begins on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and will include a wreath laying ceremony, a jazz concert, a service project and a memorial service. This year's theme, “Where Do We Go From Here?" is based on Dr. King's book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?”
"Each year, we use this time to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and consider both our nation’s progress and the challenges we still face today," Mayor Landrieu said. "In the spirit of Dr. King, instead of looking away, we must agree to move forward together. We must come together as one city to face these problems head on."
Reverend Norwood Thompson, chair of the New Orleans Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Planning Commission, said, “Each year the people of New Orleans celebrate the birth, life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We encourage all residents to join us in our efforts of creating a community of peace, equality and justice for all."
All citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events. The City's official program on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will begin at New Orleans City Hall on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 29th annual MLK Memorial March at 9:45 a.m.
The nearly 1½ mile long march starts at City Hall, 1300 Perdido St. It travels down Loyola Avenue towards uptown, Loyola Avenue turns into Simon Bolivar Boulevard, the parade will make a right turn on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, it will go up Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to South Claiborne Avenue and end at the MLK Monument on South Claiborne Avenue and Felicity St.
29th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration Calendar of Events
Education Series Program
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
The Voting Rights Act
Landry-Walker High School College & Career Prep, 1200 L.B. Landry Ave.
R.E.A.L. March
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
Begins at A. L. Davis Park and ends at MLK Monument on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard & S. Claiborne Avenue.
Wreath Laying Ceremony
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at 11:00 am
MLK Monument on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard & S. Claiborne Avenue.
United Teachers of N.O. Choral Concert
Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 2515 Franklin Ave.
New Orleans Public Library MLK Celebration
Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at 12:00 p.m.
New Orleans Public Library Main Branch, 219 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation “MLK Jazz Journeys” Concert
Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
Dillard University Lawless Memorial Chapel, 2601 Gentilly Blvd.
Hands On of New Orleans MLK Volunteer Day
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, 9:00 a.m.
Gentilly Terrace Charter School, 4720 Painters St.
Rev. Avery C. Alexander Social Action Conference
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at 9:00 a.m.
Dryades YMCA, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
MLK, Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibit Nonviolence: The Only Road to Freedom
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at 5:00 p.m.
Ashe' Cultural Center, 1712 Oretha C. Haley Blvd.
MLK Memorial Service
Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, at 3:00 p.m.
Holy Faith Temple Baptist Church, 1325 Governor Nicholls St.
29th Annual MLK DAY Opening Program
Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at 9:00 a.m.
City Hall, 1300 Perdido St.
MLK Memorial March
Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at 9:45 a.m.
Begins at City Hall and ends at MLK Monument on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard & S. Claiborne Avenue
