Fresno to honor Martin Luther King Jr. with celebrations, vigils. How to join in

Fresno-area residents will honor the life and contributions of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a series of events around the Central Valley.

Events range from a candlelight peace vigil to community breakfasts and a radio jazz tribute.

Here are some of the MLK Day events taking place to commemorate the federal holiday:

Martin Luther King Jr. garland ceremony

Fresno leaders and students will gather at Courthouse Park to place flowers at a statue of Martin Luther King Jr.

The bust of King was created by James Zerl Smith and erected in 1988,

That year, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Committee started the tradition of garlanding, The Bee previously reported in 2020.

Friday’s ceremony will feature performances from Fresno Unified School District Black Student Union and King Elementary School Dancers, according to the city of Fresno’s website.

When: 11:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where: Courthouse Park, Van Ness Avenue and Tulare Street, Fresno

How much: Free

Info: 559-681-3140, ggaston1234@aol.com or fresno.gov

Community awards ceremony

The event will honors the 2025 recipients of the Educational Leadership Award, Community Leadership Award and Les Kimber Community Service Award. A light reception will follow.

When: 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Where: Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno,

Info: jhunt@fcoe.org or fresno.gov

Candlelight vigil

The candlelight peace vigil honors King’s memory as Fresno residents will hold candles in a symbolic call for peace.

When: 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17

Where: Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno

How much: Free

Info: 559-435-2212 or fresno.gov

Community breakfast

The Clovis Police Department and the MLK Unity Committee of Fresno are holding their annual community breakfast.

This year’s theme is “Dreaming Together: Changed by the Past, Molding the Future.

The keynote speaker will be Clovis Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua, the police department said in a social media post.

Reservations are required, with a “very limited number of non-reserved seats” available at the door the city of Fresno wrote on its website.

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18

Where: Clovis Veterans Memorial Center, 808 Fourth St.

How much: $5 each, $40 for a table of eight

Info: 559-324-2476 or erinf@clovisca.gov

City of Fresno March

Hundreds of people gather every year in downtown Fresno to honor King with a parade and march.

The parade starts at St. John’s Cathedral and stops at Fresno City Hall. Then participants travel to the Veterans Memorial Auditorium for the commemoration program.

When: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20

Where: St. John’s Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa St., Fresno

Cost: Free

Contact: 559-284-6420 or fresno.gov

Veterans Memorial Auditorium commemoration

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium will host a celebration of King’s legacy and his contributions to the community, diversity and our enriched culture.

This year, the keynote speaker is Wendy McCully, executive director of the Fresno Unified School District Foundation.

When: 11 a.m. to noon, Monday, Jan. 20

Where: Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 2425 Fresno St., Fresno.

How much: Free

Info: 559-908-0639 or Eric.paynecmc@gmail.com

West Fresno Ministerial Alliance prayer breakfast

The West Fresno Ministerial Alliance will honor King with a breakfast.

When: 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7 a.m.

Where: Cornerstone Church Conference Center, 1445 Fulton St, Fresno

Info: northparkchurch.org.

Jazz tribute

Jazz enthusiasts in Fresno can tune in to a radio tribute to King’s legacy.

The tribute will feature commentary and music composed and recorded by jazz artists who supported the Civil Rights Movement.

Listeners can hear the ceremony on 90.7 FM, at KFSR.org or via TuneIn radio.

When: 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17

Fresno City College celebration

Fresno City College will commemorate King’s 1964 march for civil rights at Ratcliffe Stadium.

Join interim Fresno City College President Dr. Kim Armstrong and pastor Ed Thomas. Marchers will meet in front of the courtyard near the president’s office on campus.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19

Where: Fresno City College, 1101 East University Ave, Fresno

How much: Free

Info: edwardthomas858@icloud.com

This story was originally published January 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM.