The MLK March for Justice and Equality begins at 1 p.m. at the Springfield Justice Center at 230 4th Street with welcoming remarks from Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon. A reception follows from 1:30-2 p.m. and celebration from 2-3:30 p.m. at Springfield High School, 875 7th Street. Eric Richardson’s Invisible Arts Project will play jazz instrumental music at the reception, Mariachi del Sol from Springfield High School will play mariachi music, and Rockin’ Otters from Two Rivers/Dos Rios Elementary (Springfield) will perform two songs during the celebration.

Keynote speakers will be the high school speech contest winners. The event invites K-12 student entries of essays, speeches, poetry, and art. This year’s theme is “Standing Up in Challenging Times.” You can view the entries and winners online here.