Groups can register for Charlotte's Jan. 16 MLK Parade and nominate people for 3 MLK awards until Saturday, Dec. 12. The 2027 theme is about faith and hope.

Marching bands, dance teams, schools, churches, businesses and community groups have until Saturday, Dec. 12, to sign up for Charlotte’s 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which steps off in uptown at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16.

The same Dec. 12 deadline applies to nominations for three sets of awards the city hands out during the holiday celebration: the Emerging Youth Leader Award for high school students, the Medallion and Keeper of the Dream Awards, and the Growing the Dream Award.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations MLK Holiday Planning Committee, which runs the celebration, has chosen “Maintaining Faith & Hope in a Time of Uncertainty” as the 2027 theme.

“Each year, our community comes together to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through events that celebrate unity, service, equality, and hope,” the committee said in its invitation, signed by its chair, Delores Reid Smith. It is asking “community organizations, schools, businesses, faith-based groups, neighborhood associations, families, and individuals to get involved.”

The parade

The committee calls the parade “one of Charlotte’s cherished traditions.” According to the city, more than 100 community organizations, marching bands and step and drill teams take part each year, and the route runs along North Tryon Street from Eighth Street to Third Street.

Groups register through the city’s MLK Parade 2027 form, which asks whether the entry is a nonprofit or for-profit group and includes a release and waiver of liability that the applicant signs online.

The awards

Emerging Youth Leader Award. This is for high school students in the Greater Charlotte area “who are making a difference in their community,” the committee said: “a student committed to service, leadership, and positive social change, who embodies the values that Dr. King stood for: justice, equality, and community empowerment.” Nominate an Emerging Youth Leader.

Medallion and Keeper of the Dream Awards. These “celebrate individuals who embody racial equality, social justice and active community service,” the committee said. “These are the people who step up for others when walking away is the easier thing to do.” Nominate for the Medallion and Keeper of the Dream.

Growing the Dream Award. Open to both individuals and organizations, it recognizes those “who continue to advance Dr. King’s dream through leadership, community service, advocacy, and a commitment to making a positive difference.” The committee encouraged nominations for people and groups “whose work reflects Dr. King’s vision of a more just, inclusive, and compassionate community.” The city’s page describes the award, sponsored by Atrium Health, as honoring Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s “unsung heroes.” Nominate for Growing the Dream.

The City of Charlotte's overview of its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration. Video: City of Charlotte

The 2027 schedule

The city has also posted dates for the main events of the celebration:

  • Divine 9 Panel Discussion: Monday, Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m., Stratford Richardson YMCA. The city says it will be a youth-centered leadership event this year, connecting teens with members of the Divine 9 and community leaders.
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Arts and Writing Showcase: Thursday, Jan. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., First Ward Creative Arts Academy, featuring CMS students’ art and writing about Dr. King’s legacy.
  • Atrium Health Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wreath-Laying Memorial Service: Friday, Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Marshall Park.
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade: Saturday, Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m., North Tryon Street from Eighth Street to Third Street.
  • National Observance: Sunday, Jan. 17, 3 to 5 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Christina Greer as the featured speaker.

“DON’T MISS DECEMBER 12TH DEADLINE!” the committee wrote, urging people to share the opportunity with “friends, family, coworkers, community organizations, and networks.”

More information

Questions go to mlk@charlottenc.gov. Details of every event and all the forms are on the city’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK Celebration page.

The city says auxiliary aids, materials in alternate formats, language access and other accommodations are available on request through its Community Relations Department.