Bastrop County MLK Day 2025
Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00AM in Bastrop, TX.
The 36th Annual Bastrop County MLK Holiday Commission Walk returns to Bastrop
The 36th Annual Bastrop County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Walk for Peace, Justice and Equality will be held on January 20th in Bastrop. The theme continues to be “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On...Not a Day Off!!” The annual walk rotates between the cities of Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville. The walk starts at the Paul Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1108 Walnut Street at 10 am and will end at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut Street where a tribute will be held. Dock Jackson, the founder and coordinator of the event stressed that “It is important that we continue to educate our youth and future generations about the civil rights struggle that Dr. King and others led. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to pave the way for the freedoms so many of us enjoy today. It is only fitting that a hero such as King be honored. The annual walk is our way in Bastrop County of helping educate our youth who are our future.”
Former City Council Member and Committee Member Bettye Lofton stated, “The City of Elgin is honored to have been a part of the countywide MLK celebration since its beginning. As the walk rotates each year from city to city we participate in honoring Dr. King’s legacy and will be the proud host in 2026“
Smithville Mayor Sharon Foerster was pleased to pass the baton to Bastrop. "The MLK Holiday Commission Walk for Peace, Justice, and Equality is an important event. Collaborating with our sister cities to celebrate the Dream is an essential part of our community values."
During this year’s event donations are being sought for graduating seniors attending schools in Bastrop County including Bastrop High School, Cedar Creek High School, Colorado River Collegiate Academy, Elgin High School, McDade High School and Smithville High School. Although the cold weather and freeze cancelled last year’s walk in Smithville we are joining together with scholarship committees in the county in a joint effort to assist the county’s youth obtain higher education. Scholarships will be awarded to students who apply to colleges and trade schools. Student speakers from each of these schools will speak on the importance of Dr. King’s life. Students will be joined by elected officials from throughout Bastrop County. Invited officials Bastrop County Judge Gregory Klaus and Commissioner Butch Carmack, Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson, Elgin Mayor Theresa McShan and Smithville Mayor Sharon Foerster. Music and other tributes will be a part of the program which will conclude with refreshments for attendees.
For additional information on the event contact Dock Jackson at (512) 308-2213, Bettye Lofton at (512) 963-2721 or Jill Strube at (512) 237-3282, Ext. 2109.
Scholarship donations will be collected at the walk and can be mailed to Bastrop County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Scholarship Fund, P. O. Drawer X, Bastrop, Texas 78602. Please state whether you’d like to designate the funds to specific schools or if donation should be equally divided among the six schools.
Bastrop County MLK Day 2024
Monday, January 15, 2024, at 11:15AM in Smithville, TX.
Virtual Program videos are below in red due to the unfortunate cancellation of the live program due to weather. We hope you enjoy our messages and plan to join us for the event in 2025!
Virtual Program Videos
Texas Flag
Many thanks to Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative for their donation of a framed Texas Flag for a raffle item. Funds went to support scholarships for graduating students across Bastrop County.
Bastrop County MLK Day 2023
Monday, January 16, 2023, at 10AM in ELGIN
Walk begins from Veterans Memorial Park 109 Depot Street to Booker T Washington Elementary school. Program begins at 11am at BTW gymnasium, 510 Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Walk includes stop at the Elgin Black Icons mural. Parking available at Elgin chamber of commerce and Visitors Center 114 Central Avenue, Depot Museum 14 Depot Square and on street throughout downtown as well as the city hall and library complex at 310 N Main Street. Parking also available at Booker T Washington Elementary school and Thomas Memorial Park.
Remember! Celebrate! Act!
The Bastrop County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission was established in 1988. Founding members were: Hon. Dock Jackson (Bastrop), Hon. Gladys Ward (Elgin), and Hon. Clinton Wright (Smithville). The Walk for Peace, Justice, and Equality rotates between these communities each year so that everyone in Bastrop County can participate in celebrating Dr. King’s dream together. It’s a Day On, Not A Day Off! The Walk occurs every 3rd Monday in January to coincide with the national MLK, Jr. Holiday.
CLICK HERE FOR A LINK FOR THE AWARD-WINNING VIDEO FOR THE 30TH ANNUAL BASTROP COUNTY MLK WALK
Bastrop County MLK Day 2022
IMPORTANT UPDATE >> In an effort to insure community health and safety, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission has announced some changes to the MLK Walk & Celebration. The WALK will continue as planned, with masks and social distancing highly encouraged. It will begin at 10 AM at the Paul Quinn African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 1108 Walnut in Bastrop, TX. The CELEBRATION PROGRAM, featuring many inspiring speakers and talented entertainers will no longer take place in-person and will be conducted VIRTUALLY over the City of Bastrop Facebook page and via Zoom. Visit www.cityofbastrop.org/MLK for more information.
Facebook Live @ www.facebook.com/bastroptx
Zoom pre-registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v6PmutKYTZK-cdd_5Dd7Lg
Please support our scholarship efforts for Bastrop County students:
Bastrop County MLK Day 2021
Click on the drop down links below for 2023 MLK event content.
