Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is a time to reflect on the legacy of the powerful civil rights leader. The federal holiday, observed January 18, is known as a day of service.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year is quite different than most years due to the fact that we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. Most celebrations have gone virtual in an effort to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive, safely, while social distancing.

Here are several virtual celebrations scheduled to honor the late, great Dr. King —

The National Museum of African American History & Culture
The People’s Holiday
An Afternoon With Christian McBride
NMAAHC’s annual community program entitled The People’s Holiday features six-time Grammy award-winning bassist, composer, and educator Christian McBride in a digital performance inspired by his social justice-focused album entitled, The Movement Revisited: A Musical Portrait of Four Icons. The 45-minute concert of jazz and poetry will feature performances of students from The Julliard School and a poetry reading by award winning poet, Evie Shockley.  The concert will conclude with a conversation with Christian McBride moderated by Dwandalyn Reece, Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs. This concert honors Dr. Kings’ commitment to racial equality, justice, and service.

National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel
King Day
A Virtual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
The National Civil Rights Museum presents King Day: A Virtual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday on January 18, 2021 via livestream at 12:00 noon and 6:00pm Central. The event will showcase Dr. King’s work, the history of how the national holiday came to be, as well as how the museum has celebrated the holiday in years past.

AmeriCorps
MLK Day of Service
AmeriCorps is collaborating with the Presidential Inaugural Committee on the MLK National Day of Service.
Together we encourage you to engage in volunteer service in honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Make a commitment to serve in your community on MLK Day and throughout 2021. To find an event near you, see here.