Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national holiday celebrating the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In metro Detroit, there are many ways to honor this day, from attending special events and services to participating in service projects in support of the local community.
Here are some events you can participate in this year.
Spend the Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Monday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Start the day off commemorating Dr. King at the Wright. From 8-1 a.m., enjoy a prayer breakfast featuring an invocation from Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson from the West Side Unity Church and a keynote from Dr. Melba Joyce Boyd. Then, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy free educational workshops and family-friendly programming, ranging from workshops to a feature film. The day will end with a lecture series featuring dynamic speakers who will address critical topics in civic engagement, art, history, and culture. Ticket prices are $35 per person. Learn more and buy a ticket.
Take a Peace Walk with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force in Southfield
Monday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.
Head to Hope United Methodist Church in Southfield, MI, to participate in a peace walk under the theme “The Global Impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The walk will begin at 9 a.m., with programming starting at 11 a.m. A “taste-fest” will begin immediately following the program. Learn more.
Celebrate the Life and Lasting Call of Dr. King at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some opportunities extended throughout the year
This month, The Henry Ford is offering ample opportunities to celebrate Dr. King and his legacy, such as its With Liberty and Justice for All featured exhibit. Guests can also enjoy live performances by the Detroit Windsor Dance Academy and special screenings of Amazing Grace and Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale at the Giant Screen Experience. View the museum’s curated calendar for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Participate in the 20th Annual MLK Day Rally and March
Monday, Jan. 16, Noon to 3 p.m.
Join the Detroit MLK Committee for a rally and walk to honor six decades of mass movements in Detroit and beyond. Held at the historic St. Matthew’s – St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, the event will have a rally and cultural presentations by national and local speakers and artists active in the social justice movement and two walks. The rally and cultural presentations will begin at noon, with the first march starting at 1:45 p.m. and a second march at 2:30 p.m. Learn more.
“Let the Freedom Ring” at the Fox Theatre with Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
Monday, Jan. 16, 4 p.m.
Join Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. during “Let the Freedom Ring,” a free public event at the Fox Theatre to celebrate Dr. King. The event will feature live performances by Howard Hewett, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles, and the Dr. Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop. During the event, six individuals that expound on the life of Dr. King will also be honored. Learn more and get free tickets.
