SAN ANTONIO – In 2021, the MLK Commission is prioritizing the health and safety of our community and visitors while continuing to honor and celebrate Dr. King. 2021 MLK commemorative events will be held on virtual platforms. Individuals and organizations that would like to be a part of the 2021 virtual celebration should submit a participation form. Everyone is encouraged to participate, including:
- Families and Individuals
- Corporate and Non-Profit Organizations
- Schools, Churches, and Civic Groups
- Colleges and Universities
- Community Members
San Antonio’s MLK Commission, which oversees the annual march held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January, voted in late August to cancel the 2021 event over COVID-19 concerns. The march takes place on San Antonio’s East Side, a historically Black community, and is considered one of the largest MLK marches in the country with more than 300,000 participants in 2020. The cancellation is the latest in a string of local events that were canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. The 11-day annual FIESTA was first postponed from April to November and then later fully canceled for the first time since World War II.
Dr. Keely Petty, MLK Commission Chair, said the decision ultimately came down to the safety and well-being of the thousands of people who attend the march. “I had to think about the 300,000-plus citizens of our beautiful city who come out and honor that dream every year,” Petty said. She said the idea behind going virtual-only was in part inspired by how the Democratic and Republican National Conventions were held.
For questions about the 2021 MLK celebrations, call 210.207.2123
