MLK Day vigil, parades among activities planned for Jan. 20-21

The Rice University community will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in a number of events, including Rice’s annual MLK vigil and celebration and two Houston MLK Day parades. Admission to these events is free and open to the public.

Martin Luther King Jr.

The Rice Black Student Association will hold its annual candlelight vigil and program Jan. 20. The outdoor vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Rice Memorial Center’s Ray Courtyard, followed by a program at Rice Memorial Chapel. Speakers will be University Representative Y. Ping Sun; Stephen Klineberg, professor of sociology and co-director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research; José Aranda, associate professor of English and Hispanic studies; and Algenita Scott Davis, executive director of Houston Habitat for Humanity.

On Jan. 21, Rice will participate in two MLK parades: The “Original” MLK Birthday Parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Houston at Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St. The annual MLK Grande Parade also begins at 10 a.m. in midtown Houston at San Jacinto and Elgin streets.