Programs and Services

MLK March/Parade and Commemoration Ceremony:

Traditionally, the Commission organizes the MLK March/Parade and Commemoration Ceremony in Albuquerque on the Saturday before the National King Holiday in January. The march is the kickoff to the celebrations occurring throughout New Mexico. Over 1,000 people attend the march, including state and local dignitaries, youth groups, churches, civic organizations, sororities and fraternities, immigrant organizations, non-profit organizations, corporations and families. A parade marshal leads the march west down Martin Luther King Blvd. to Civic Plaza.

The MLK Commemoration Ceremony is held directly after the march at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque. The ceremony includes keynote speakers, youth performances (vocal and dance), award presentations, and recognition and participation by elected state and local officials. The ceremony commemorates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., notable civil rights activist, preacher and author.

Volunteers interested in planning the march and/or the Commemoration Ceremony should contact: www.nmmlksc.org or 505-222-6466.

  • Youth Leadership Program

    The MLK Commission operates a Youth Ambassador program for students ages 14-21. Youth become knowledgeable about the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how his principles of nonviolence affect their lives; the fundamentals of community service; advocacy; and leadership skills. The program is being expanded to include youth from cities across the state, particularly those represented by the Commission. The Commission will establish leadership/mentorship programs in each community that currently conducts MLK-related activities. These youth will then be eligible to participate in programs and activities of the Youth Ambassador program as well as the Annual Youth Leadership Conference. Collaboration and partnership will occur between schools, colleges, teachers, counselors, parents, students, churches and community groups in an effort to be inclusive, transparent and successful.

    If interested, please complete the New Mexico MLK Youth Leadership Program sign-up form or contact: www.nmmlksc.org or (505) 222-6466.

Public Records Inspection Request
  • It Starts with Me:

    It Starts with Me is a collaborative literacy initiative between the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) and the New Mexico Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission (MLK Commission). Led by Asha Ortiz, Education Advancement Coordinator for OAAA, and Dannelle Kirven, Executive Director of the MLK Commission, this program aims to strengthen early literacy, cultural understanding, and social-emotional learning among Pre-K through 5th grade students across New Mexico. 

    The program is inspired by It Starts with Me! a children’s book authored by Dr. Bernice A. King and Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson and the accompanying evidence-based curriculum developed by The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Together, these materials encourage students to explore Dr. King’s philosophy of the Beloved Community through lessons in love, kindness, acceptance, and responsibility. 

    Educators can participate by completing this form!

  • Get Involved!

    Volunteer with the MLK.  This is a great way to get involved in the community and a way to make a difference. Please sign up and volunteer your time and talent. Have them fill out their information and it comes to us.