The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation Friday recognizing Jan. 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The proclamation, read into the record by a board member, cited Dr. King’s life and work and called on county leaders and residents to “participate in the continuous work of building and sustaining our communities.” Commissioners Carrie Geithner (chair), Lauren Nelson (vice chair), Corey Applegate, Holly Williams and Bill Wysong voted 5–0 to adopt the declaration.

Community leaders from the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Preservation Society and partner organizations addressed the board in support of the proclamation. The society’s speakers urged residents to treat the holiday as a “day on” of service rather than a day off and outlined weekend activities tied to the county’s 2026 commemorations. “This holiday is not a day off. It is a day on and a day of service,” a society representative said.

Speakers also announced that Yolanda Renee King, identified in remarks as Dr. King’s granddaughter, will attend local events, including a Sunday evening fireside chat for youth and a Monday morning breakfast at the Antlers hotel. The society’s presentation emphasized youth engagement and community volunteers as central to local observances.

Commissioners used the discussion time to highlight the civic importance of the day. Vice chair Lauren Nelson noted the county’s role in stewarding public services and remarked on the importance of finding a facilitator for regional opioid-abatement funding, a separate agenda matter she said the board is working on. Commissioner Holly Williams described the holiday as a moment to reaffirm nonviolent civic engagement.

The board recessed briefly for a photograph after the vote. No formal follow-up motion was recorded; staff indicated events are being organized by the preservation society and community partners.

The proclamation and related materials were entered into the board’s packet and will be part of the official record.