Elgin to Host 31st Annual MLK Walk for Peace, Justice & Equality on January 19
Residents across Bastrop County, including those in Homestead Estates, are invited to gather in Elgin for the 31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Walk for Peace, Justice & Equality, taking place Monday, January 19, 2026. This free, all-ages event is designed to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while bringing together the community in a show of solidarity, remembrance, and hope for the future.
The event begins at 10:00 a.m. with a peaceful walk from Veterans Memorial Park, located at 109 Depot Street in Elgin, and continues through downtown. Participants will then make their way to Booker T. Washington Elementary School for an 11:00 a.m. program, where attendees can reflect on Dr. King’s work and the continued relevance of his message today.
Hosted on a rotating basis between Elgin, Bastrop, and Smithville, the countywide MLK celebration is a tradition that has connected Central Texas communities for more than three decades.
A Legacy That Still Inspires
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement, is remembered for his tireless efforts to end racial segregation and promote equality through nonviolence. His leadership during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, his role in the 1963 March on Washington, and his powerful “I Have a Dream” speech remain deeply influential today. In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, recognized for advancing civil rights through peaceful means.
Events like the Elgin MLK Walk continue to honor that legacy by promoting themes Dr. King championed—justice, community service, and peaceful activism. This local celebration offers an opportunity to remember not only what Dr. King achieved, but also the work that still lies ahead.
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What to Expect at the Elgin MLK Day Event
- 10:00 a.m. Walk Start – Veterans Memorial Park, 104 Depot St., Elgin, TX
- 11:00 a.m. Program – Booker T. Washington Elementary School
- Free refreshments provided after the walk
- Open to individuals, families, students, and community organizations
The walk through Elgin’s historic downtown creates a powerful backdrop for this meaningful event, encouraging neighbors and leaders to connect in shared purpose. Organizers note that it’s also a valuable way for young people to learn about civil rights history and participate in community-building activities.
Strengthening Community Through Shared Action
This MLK Day celebration is more than a symbolic event—it’s part of a continued effort to foster unity and civic responsibility in Bastrop County and beyond. Residents are encouraged to make the holiday a “day on” rather than a “day off” by participating in acts of service and attending local programs like this one.
With its focus on peace, justice, equality, and community spirit, the 2026 Elgin MLK Walk offers a welcoming space for reflection and action in honor of one of the nation’s most impactful leaders.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.