The 22nd annual community celebration honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will begin at The University of Texas at Austin and proceed to the State Capitol and on to Huston-Tillotson University campus where events and entertainment will continue until 3 p.m.

When: 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 18

Where: Near the MLK Statue on the East Mall of The University of Texas at Austin campus.

Background: The Austin Area Heritage Council plans the annual Austin celebration of King’s life and legacy. The UT Austin program is coordinated by Brenda Burt, director of undergraduate and alumni relations and a lecturer in the African and African Diaspora Studies Department.

Dr. Gregory L. Fenves, president of The University of Texas at Austin, will provide the welcome. Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement also will make brief remarks.

The event will include performances by the Innervisions Gospel Choir and the winner of the MLK Oratory Contest from an area public school.

“The University of Texas at Austin is always honored to host the opening ceremony for the MLK Day march and celebration,” said Vincent. “Each year the event reminds us not only of Dr. King’s greatness, but also of the work still needed in the area of civil rights not just in our nation but in our own community.”

Participants are asked to bring canned goods or nonperishable items for donation to the Capital Area Food Bank. Donation receptacles will be available at The University of Texas and Huston-Tillotson University.

For more information about the event, the march route and parking for the day, visit the Austin Area Heritage Council website: http://www.mlkcelebration.com/celebration-events/march-and-festival/