TOPEKA — Kansas will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Thursday in the rotunda of the Kansas State Capitol building.

This year’s event will begin with a ceremonial march starting at 11:45 a.m. from the Kansas Judicial Center to the capitol. The keynote address will be delivered by Ron Freeman, former Pittsburg State University football player and inspirational speaker.

Gov. Sam Brownback will welcome participants and sign a proclamation. Kansas State Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau also will speak. Kansas African-American Affairs Commission Chair Chiquita Coggs will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The annual celebration also will feature Topeka Highland Park ROTC; Topeka High School Drumline, Topeka Community Mass Choir; and Dr. Tony Stanley of Harvest Church West Branch. A coffee reception prior to the march will be held in the lobby of the Judicial Center beginning at 11 a.m. A reception sponsored by the Kansas Volunteer Commission will follow.