The Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

The City of Tacoma’s signature event, the 29th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration will bring us together to understand his vision of his Beloved Community. It is a global vision, in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.  We encourage the entire community to join together to celebrate Monday, January 16, 2017 as a day on, not a day off.

Event Details

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

January 16, 2017

Greater Tacoma Conventions and Trade Center

10 AM – Doors open

11 AM – Event starts

Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center

1500 Broadway

Tacoma, WA 98402

Map and Directions

The event will feature keynote speaker Harold Moss, Tacoma’s first African American Council Member and Mayor. Mr. Moss has been active in the Tacoma community since the 1950s when he was a member of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  He served two terms as president of the branch.  He also served on Tacoma’s first Human Relations Commission, currently known as the Human Rights Commission. In 1968, Moss helped create the Tacoma Urban League.

The celebration will include music, dance, and poetry that highlight the strength, resiliency and creativity of young men of color. Performances will focus on Dr. King’s relationship with communities, how he challenged and changed our nation, and his message to honor the dignity and rights of every person.

Available Parking

There is free holiday on-street parking and free parking at Freighthouse Square (2501 E. D Street). Freighthouse Square is is easily accessible via the LINK Light Rail and and stops at the Convention Center. There will also be signage and personnel directing event attendees to designated complimentary parking stalls that will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.

City Events and Recognition Committee

The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration program is spearheaded by a City Council-appointed City Events and Recognition Committee. The Committee is comprised of local community leaders from a broad array of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The City Events and Recognition Committee serves as an advisory and action committee on matters pertaining to City-hosted events and special recognition programs. Members are responsible for planning, reviewing and evaluating events, engaging the community in its fundraising efforts, and soliciting corporate and private sponsorships to leverage funds for City-hosted events such as the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration.

The Celebration Will Be Televised on TV Tacoma

The Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration is also covered and aired on TV Tacoma, which is carried on both the Click! and Comcast Cable systems.