27th annual ASU March on West recreates MLK Jr.’s iconic March on Washington

The 2018 March on West will take place at 11 a.m. Jan. 17 and begin at Paley Gates in front of Arizona State University's West campus.

By Catherine Hathaway |
January 10, 2018

March on West has been a tradition as part of Arizona State University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. events since 1991. It is an interactive educational experience for the hundreds of middle school students that attend.

The 2018 March on West will take place at 11 a.m. Jan. 17. The march will begin at Paley Gates in front of Arizona State University's West campus and end in the Sands/Kiva Courtyard. The event is free to all students, faculty, staff and community members. There is no registration. Visitor parking on campus is $3 an hour.

Before the march, students will partake in interactive educational presentations and create posters. They will then recreate the 1963 March on Washington D.C. When they finish the march, Arizona State University faculty member and four-time Emmy Award winning director, Charles St. Clair will reenact Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

“It is an honor to share this unforgettable speech with a group of young people,” St. Clair said. “It is my hope that among the thousands of young minds who hear the speech there are those among them who will realize that they, too, have the opportunity to make a difference.”

St. Clair will re-enact Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the end of the march.
Hundreds of middles schoolers are expected to attend the event to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Volunteers are still needed for the event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will receive a lunch and a t-shirt. If you are an ASU student, faculty or staff member sign up to volunteer here https://asu.volunteermatch.org/campaign/campaign_detail.jsp?id=1073032. Community members who wish to volunteer should email westevents@asu.edu.

The ASU West campus is located at 4701 West Thunderbird Road. For more information about the event, call (602) 543-5300 or email westevents@asu.edu.

This is one of many events scheduled in celebration of the holiday. Other events include the MLK Day of Service, MLK University Holiday and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration where Cindy McCain and Evvan Morton will be honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Servant-Leadership award. Learn more about McCain and the ASU student winner, Evvan Morton here.