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From parades to volunteer events, there are many opportunities across the country to celebrate Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. this year.
The nation's official commemoration of King's birthday falls on Monday, January 16 this year.
King, who was born on January 15, 1929, dedicated his life to leading the Civil Rights movement, as well as fighting for worker's rights, and wage equality until his assassination in 1968.
For MLK Day this year, communities nationwide are continuing to honor the civil rights leader's legacy through various events. Keep scrolling to find out things you can do for this year's holiday.
Washington D.C.
"Recapture the dream" is this year's theme for the MLK Day Peace Walk & Parade, which will be held on Monday (January 16) starting at 10:45 a.m. from Shepherd Park.
The Kennedy Center is also putting on a musical tribute to King titled "Let Freedom Ring!" The event will feature Leslie Odom Jr. on the Millennium Stage beginning at 6 p.m. on Monday.
See more events happening in the DMV area here.
Detroit
This year's 20th Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally and March is themed "The Struggle Continues." During the event, you will have the opportunity to move and then sit to listen to speakers who are currently active in social justice, peace, and self-determination movements. The rally begins at 12 p.m. on Monday (January 16) at St Matthew’s & St Joseph’s Episcopal Church.
If you're looking for a way to give back to your community, consider participating in the MLK Day of Service with Bamboo. From 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., join Bamboo members in helping to provide resources for Detroit residents in need.
See everything that's happening in Detroit here.
Charlotte
The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are hosting the Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK National Holiday Celebration on Sunday (January 15). The celebration will begin with a march at 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Tryon and Montford Point Street and end with a wreath memorial to honor King’s legacy at 3 p.m.
Find more events here.
Philadelphia
At Philadelphia's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Eastern State Penitentiary, listen to speakers read excerpts from King's “Letters from Birmingham Jail” and write letters to those incarcerated in a Pennsylvania Prison from 11 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. on Monday (January 16).
The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, which is known as the nation’s oldest and largest King Day of Service, is also holding nearly 100 community events that volunteers can choose from.
Find more information on MLK events happening in Philly here.
Atlanta
On Monday (January 16), Atlanta is hosting the "MLK Day 5K: Let Freedom Run" at First Baptist Church of Doraville. The 5K walk/run will feature a drumline along its course.
This year's theme for the Annual MLK Day Parade and Program Celebration is “Why We Can’t Wait." Hosted by the United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, the event will be held on Monday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.
Find more events in Atlanta here.
Houston
The 45th Annual Original MLK Jr. Parade is free to all in Downtown Houston and will feature marching bands, floats, peaceful marches, and more. The event begins at Lamar and Smith Streets at 10 a.m.
Following the 45th annual parade, the MLK Festival will be held in front of Downtown’s City Hall with live music, kid-friendly activities, and special guests.
Find more events in Houston here.
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