Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become recognized as a day of service across the country, since first observed as national holiday in 1986. Thousands around the country take this day to give back to their communities as King did in his lifetime.
There are thousands of service projects, events, tributes, and marches happening in various parts of the country. Use this three day weekend to participate in some of the activities local organizations and cities have planned to honor the iconic civil rights leader.
New York City
From church services to musical performances, New York City has plenty of options to celebrate MLK day. Many volunteer events will be dedicated to the homeless. Once you’ve done your part, venture out to these events to learn more about MLK and celebrate his accomplishments.
Learn more about MLK Day in New York City here.
Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love is home to one of the largest MLK Day events in the country, the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. With over 135,000 volunteers and 1,000 service events, Philly will probably outdo itself this year. The city has a range of free and inexpensive events to enjoy throughout the weekend.
The African American History Museum is offering $2 admission all weekend. Eastern State Penitentiary will hold a reading of MLK’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Saturday through Monday. Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center has $5 admission on Monday and the museum goers can engage in the many activities being offered, from service projects to listening to the famous “I Have A Dream” speech.
Visit the National Constitution Center website to learn more.
Washington D.C.
Our nation’s capital played a huge role in the platform of the Civil Rights Movement. The Lincoln Memorial is where MLK delivered his most quoted speech, “I Have A Dream”. The city is full of volunteer events, but also filled with historical sights.
Martin Luther King has his own memorial constructed in the National Mall. It’s the first memorial dedicated to a non-president and the first African-American, which is pretty monumental. Visit the Lincoln Memorial to remember the Million Man March and MLK’s famous speech. There will even be a marker on the steps in the exact spot Dr. King stood.
Learn more about Washington D.C.’s events here.
Read about what’s going on around the rest of the country at NBCBLK.