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Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally and Marade

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally and Marade is a signature annual event hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King. Held each year on the federal holiday celebrating Dr. King's birthday, the event features powerful speeches from students, campus leaders, and a distinguished keynote speaker. Following the rally, participants join in a peaceful "marade" through the campus, standing united in both remembrance and action, carrying forward Dr. King's vision of justice and equality for all.

What is a 'Marade'?

A 'marade' is a combination of march and parade. It typically includes a large public procession, with a rally and marching band. Often festive in nature, this event is held in honor of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


2025 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally and Marade

Monday, Jan. 20, 2025

More details to come!


2024 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rally and Marade

  • Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Volstorff Ballroom (SSU 101)

Please join us on President's Day (rescheduled from MLK Day due to weather) in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event will include both student and university speakers, as well as a keynote from Rev. France Davis, a prominent civil rights activist. Additionally, there will be a 'marade' (march and parade), where attendees will participate in a 1-mile outdoor walk across campus to recognize the importance of the civil rights movement. Following the marade, appetizers and warm beverages will be provided.

Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility, Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center, First Bank & Trust, Brookings Bobcat Rentals, Brookings Human Rights Commission, University Program Council, AISC, AISES, ASA, BSA, GSA, IDC and LASA.

CommUNITY Meeting

  • Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, from 10:30 a.m.-noon, in the Pheasant Crest Room (SSU 253)

Rev. France Davis, a prominent member of the civil rights movement, will speak on his experiences as an African American participating in the civil rights movement. There will be a Q & A session following this informative presentation, so please consider bringing questions that you would like to ask Rev. France Davis during this portion of the event.

Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility

Find more information on Rev. France Davis, the MLK Rally and Marade and the CommUNITY Meeting.


Inaugural Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally and Marade - 2023

On Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 we hosted the inaugural Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rally and Marade. The celebration was held in the SDSU University Student Union and included speakers, performances and a marade. We honored the life and legacy of Dr. King as a "Day On, Not a Day Off".

The event was a collaboration between the Brookings Human Rights Commission, Visit Brookings, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Accessibility (OMAA), the American Indian Student Center (AISC), the Students' Association Senate and the following student organizations: BSA, LASA, GSA and IDC.

Dr. King's inspiration endures, and we are excited to host the 2nd Annual MLK Jr. Rally and Marade on Jan. 15, 2024. Everyone is welcome and the event will be bigger and better than the first.


MLK Rally & Marade Banner