Montrose will honor the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20, with a day-long celebration featuring community service projects, educational programs, artistic showcases, and more.
Organized by local leaders and community organizations, the events aim to reflect Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice, and service.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, established as a federal holiday in 1986, honors the civil rights leader’s life and legacy of nonviolent activism in pursuit of equality and justice. Observed on the third Monday of January, the holiday aligns with Dr. King’s birthday, Jan. 15, and serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to engage in acts of service.
In 1994, Congress designated the day as a national day of service, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities as a tribute to King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
Tonya Maddox, founder of Our Town Matters and Montrose Business Times, emphasized the importance of marking this milestone anniversary.
“MLK was a humanitarian, and the cause he fought for was the civil rights cause,” she said. “If the timing were different, and he were around today, he would be fighting for something else. If you see the groups who marched with him, those groups were diverse. There were people there who looked like our community.”
A Day of Service Across Montrose
As part of the celebration, residents are encouraged to participate in service projects that benefit the community. Opportunities include:
Montrose Public Library Clean-Up: Volunteers can help maintain and beautify the library, ensuring it remains a welcoming space for all. Sessions are available from 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Questions? Call (970) 249-9656.
Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans: Volunteers can assist with home construction tasks, such as skirting or painting, at 219 Uncompahgre, or lend a hand at the ReStore at 1601 N Townsend Ave. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Questions? Call Whitney at (970) 650-2509.
Explore More Opportunities on JustServe.org: Discover additional ways to give back by visiting JustServe.org and selecting “MLK Day Service” to find local projects and events.
Region 10 RSVP Volunteer Program: Designed for those 55 and older, the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program offers opportunities to make a difference while providing mileage reimbursement, supplemental insurance, and recognition. Enroll at Region10.net/Volunteer or call Carrie at (970) 765-3142.
Morning Ceremonies and March
The day begins at 9 a.m. with an indoor opening ceremony at Centennial Plaza. Local dignitaries, including incoming District 5 State Sen. Mark Catlin, will speak before a symbolic march through downtown. The march starts and ends at San Juan Brews.
Artistic and Educational Engagements
The community can see a student art display at the Our Town Matters/Montrose Business Times building downtown (501 E. Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring K-12 works.
Participating schools can earn up to $250 for school programs, and contest winners will receive gift cards.
Montrose Classical Academy will host an educational event with age-appropriate videos, crafts, and activities at 501 E. Main St.
Montrose Regional Library will feature a children’s storytime session at 3:30 p.m.
United Methodist Church (2–3 p.m.): A reflective gathering with singing and the sharing of Dr. King’s quotes at 19 S. Park Ave.
Hispanic Affairs Project Community Room (3 p.m.): Screening of John Lewis: Good Trouble, featuring snacks and refreshments at 504 N. 1st St.
Healthy Rhythm Art Gallery (1:30–4:30 p.m.): Poetry and spoken word performances at 33 N. Uncompahgre Ave.
Luncheon and Humanitarian Awards
A free community luncheon at The Temple (511 E. Main St.) from noon to 1:30 p.m. will include the presentation of Humanitarian Awards by the mayor.
The awards honor individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the community. This year’s recipients include:
Garey Martinez – Founder, Shepherd’s Hand
Richard Fike – Founder, Museum of the Mountain West
Kevin Williams – Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA)
Carol Parker – Founder, Valley Food Partnership/Farmers Market
Amanda Gerhardt – Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans
Joey Montoya Boese – Former Executive Director, Peer Kindness
Honoring Dr. King’s Vision
“Now, with it being the 30th anniversary of the celebration of MLK Day, I thought it was time for our community to get in line with the rest of the country,” Maddox said. “We grow future leaders by showing them that we can honor the ones who came before them. And that’s my biggest reason (to organize the event) — to inspire the next generation to do something great.”
Montrose’s events are meant for residents of all ages, ensuring the community celebrates King’s vision and strengthens its commitment to equality, justice, and service.
For more information about MLK Day events in Montrose, visit mlkdaymontrose.com
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
