New Mexico State Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Meet with Alamogordo MLK Planning Committee

Alamogordo is coming together in a spirit of collaboration and renewed commitment to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, as local leaders hosted a key educational session with representatives from the New Mexico State Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.

On Thursday, Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald, City Commissioner Warren Robinson (who also serves as a leader in the local Dr Martin Luther King Jr event planning efforts), members of the Alamogordo Dr. Martin Luther King Festivities Planning Committee, and guests met with state commission officials. The delegation included Program Manager, College Outreach Coordinator, and Executive Director Dannelle Kirven.

Under Kirven’s leadership, the commission has experienced a revitalization—infusing the organization with fresh energy, passion, and a laser-focused mission to advance Dr. King’s teachings statewide. Kirven shared details on three impactful initiatives designed to reach broader audiences:

• The “It Starts with Me” reading program, rolling out in public and charter schools across New Mexico to promote literacy while introducing young students to Dr. King’s principles of justice, equality, and nonviolence.

• Youth leadership conferences to empower the next generation with tools for positive change and community building.

• Funding opportunities for local initiatives, enabling communities like Alamogordo to expand efforts in spreading Dr. King’s message of unity and service.

The meeting underscored the strong partnership between state and local efforts, highlighting how grassroots work in communities like Alamogordo aligns with statewide goals to honor and extend Dr. King’s vision

Locally, excitement is building for Monday, January 19, 2026—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day—when Alamogordo hosts its annual Peaceful MLK Freedom March and community celebration. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way”, reflects Dr. King’s call for nonviolent action and beloved community.

The day kicks off at 10:00 AM with the march assembling in the Lowe’s Grocery Store parking lot (near 10th Street and Indiana). Participants will proceed along a meaningful route: down 10th Street to New York Avenue, then to the historic Dudley School Community Center at 526 Maryland Avenue, arriving around 11:00 AM.

Following the march, the celebration continues at the Dudley Center until approximately 2:00 PM, featuring educational displays, guest speakers, proclamations, networking, and a special march-style luncheon (including limited sacked lunches evoking civil rights-era traditions, with possible outdoor food vendors).

The events are organized by the dedicated local Dr. Martin Luther King Committee, led in part by Commissioner Warren Robinson, and emphasize unity, service, and nonviolence.

For full details, schedules, and more—including a developing resource highlighting the rich Black history of Alamogordo—visit the new website: https://blackhistoryalamogordo.com/. The site in it's early stages of development documents contributions from early Black settlers in railroads and lumber, through the civil rights era at Holloman Air Force Base, to today’s educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the Tularosa Basin. More stories will be addedand the public is encouraged to contribute them to ChrisEdwards@KALHRadio.org

This MLK Day offers Alamogordo residents a powerful opportunity to march, reflect, and act in the spirit of Dr. King—building bridges and advancing justice one step at a time. Community members are encouraged to join in this inspiring tradition of hope and collective action.

Hear more about Monday's events via a radio interview with Commissioner Warren Robinson with Anthony Lucero

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