The 23rd annual community celebration honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will begin this Monday, 9 a.m. on the East Mall and proceed to the state Capitol and on to the Huston-Tillotson University campus where events and entertainment will continue until 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “Love=Unity=Power.”

“For more than two decades our community has proudly celebrated the MLK Day march and celebration,” said Gregory J. Vincent, vice president of diversity and community engagement. “Each January, Dr. King’s birthday provides the opportunity to both reflect on his impact as well as focus on the work that remains to be done to fulfill his vision. It is an honor, as it is each year, for our university to host the opening ceremony of the city’s annual remembrance.”

Gregory L. Fenves, president of The University of Texas at Austin, will provide the welcome. Vincent also will make brief remarks.

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

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.

Participants are asked to bring canned goods or nonperishable items for donation to the Central Texas 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.