Dr. Martin Luther King Day is Monday, January 18, 2016, and cities across the nation are planning a series of events to honor his life and legacy. From service project opportunities and concerts to lectures, museum exhibits, and concerts, there are several ways you can get involved.
[RELATED: President Obama Honored Dr. King With Day of Service]
Below is a snapshot of events happening in New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. For additional events in your area, check your local news website, National Service.org, Eventbrite or Meetup.com.
New York
Race and Privilege: Exploring MLK’s Two Americas
Apollo Theater, Sunday, January 17, 2016
WNYC and Apollo Theater Presents Race and Privilege: Exploring MLK’s Two Americas. The panel includes WNYC’s Peabody Award-winning host Brian Lehrer and Jami Floyd, local host of WNYC’s All Things Considered, who will moderate an open discussion on disparity in America, looking at the persistence of institutional racism and how individuals can combat racism everyday on multiple fronts. RSVPs are mandatory at www.ApolloTheater.org/event/uptown-hall/
30th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, Fort Greene Monday, January 18, 2016
BAM presents the 30th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., New York City’s largest public celebration of the great civil rights leader. Michael Eric Dyson, author of April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Death and How It Changed America, is the keynote speaker at BAM’s yearly celebration. Following his presentation, a community art exhibition and a series of musical performances will also be held by Kimberly Nichole and The Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir. Visit BAM.org to learn more.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Historic Harlem Walking Tour
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem. Monday, January 18, 2016
Big Onion Tours hosts a walking tour of Harlem honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “The Historic Harlem Walking Tour†includes stops at Abyssinian Baptist Church, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Striver’s Row, the Apollo Theater, the Big Apple Nightclub, and sites associated with W.E.B. Du Bois, the Harlem Renaissance, Madame C.J. Walker, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and many others. To learn more visit Big Onion Tours. To learn more about NYC events visit, Time Out NYC.
Atlanta, GA
MLK Day5 K Drum Run
Piedmont Park, Saturday, January 16, 2016
MLK 5K race is a 3.1 mile Drum Run held at Piedmont Park. Beyond the celebrate MLK Day race day, the organization is working with Atlanta, Georgia, area schools, churches, community organizations, and businesses to use the race as a fundraiser for their community-oriented initiatives. $5 of each registration from an approved organization will be returned to that organization for use in community efforts of its choice. To learn more visit, MLKDay5k.com.
MLK Tribute Concert
Atlanta Symphony Hall
1/15/2016
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra honors MLK’s dream and celebrates the legacy of this great man with a special concert on his birthday, led by Music Director Robert Spano and ASO Assistant Conductor Joseph Young, and featuring our ASO Artist-in-Residence, Morris Robinson. The evening will also feature special guest Ambassador Andrew Young. To learn more visit AtlantaSymphony.com.
MLK Celebration at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
1/18/2016
Events include a story time, MLK music & movement with the MLK Unity Day and more. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta will host a special day of learning for children, including a special story time, open Art studio and MLK music & movement with the MLK Unity Day Parade. To learn more about Atlanta events visit Atlanta.net.
Philadelphia
Citywide Volunteer Opportunities
Date: January 18, 2016
In 2015, more than 135,000 volunteers of all ages participated in over 1,000 service projects, and this year is expected to be bigger than ever, according to VisitPhilly.com. With over 1,000 volunteer opportunities to choose from at organizations such as the Awbury Arboretum, Unitarian Society of Germantown, United Way, and more. Search for service and volunteer projects on the official MLK Day of Service page.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Annual Free Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
Date: January 18, 2016, 1:30 p.m.
Join the Philadelphia Orchestra annual celebration of MLK’s life and legacy. The concert is free but tickets are required. To learn more check out VisitPhilly.com.
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