Monday, January 18, marks the 35th anniversary of the federal holiday that honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (His actual birthday occurs on January 15.) Signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986, the holiday is a deserving tribute to King for advancing civil rights and social justice through nonviolent protest.
“In 2021, 53 years after King’s death . . . the protests against police brutality and the demonstrations in support of Black Lives are a powerful reminder that the United States has yet to fulfill its promise to Black Americans. King’s closing words at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple the night before his death captures the purpose and meaning of Black protest and sacrifice. ‘I might not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.’ On this MLK Day let us all re-dedicate ourselves to building a promised land where Black protest and sacrifice are not a requirement to live in the United States.” (Source: Douglas Haynes, “The Meaning of the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Holiday in 2021.” Forbes.)
Jan. 18: Commemorative Events (in-person)
Note: Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face masks are required at in-person options. Make sure you visit the links for your chosen event(s) for any additional details.
- MLK Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit
- Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Location: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free with museum admission: $10/ages 13-61, $7/ages 3-12 and 62-plus, free/under 3
- Details: Unveiling of a new MLK virtual exhibition, musical performances, film screenings, virtual keynote messages from White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor.
- MLK Peace Parade: “Driving for Justice”
- Hosted by: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield
- Cost: Free
- Registration (to attend the car parade in person): You must pre-register by midnight on Friday, January 15.
- Registration (to attend virtually via Zoom & Facebook): You must pre-register
- Details: A peace drive starting at Hope United Methodist Church, food giveaway, and virtual programming.
- 12:00 Noon = Food bags (cold & hot) courtesy of Gleaner’s Community Food Bank and Market Fresh Grocer of Beverly Hills + Beans & Cornbread
- Where = Southfield Parks & Recreation, 26000 Evergreen Rd.
Jan. 18: Commemorative Events (virtual)
- MLK Streets: More than a Name by the Detroit Historical Museum
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
- Cost: Free
- Registration: You must pre-register
- Details: An in-depth look into how race and geography have played a role in naming streets after Dr. King and whether the streets have lived up to his legacy and dreams. This Zoom event features a viewing of the short film King Blvd., followed by a panel discussion, including writer/producer Earl Hardy, Dr. Derek Alderman, and Hamon Jordan.
- MLK Day: Eye on Detroit by the University of Michigan Detroit Center
- Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
- Cost: Free
- Registration: You must pre-register
- This annual MLK Day symposium is one of the largest local celebrations. The 2021 discussion focuses on the young people of Detroit and the challenge they face in envisioning a bright future amidst so much uncertainty.
- 18th Annual Detroit MLK Day Virtual Rally & Cultural Program
- Hosted by: Detroit MLK Day
- Time: 12:00 noon (begins)
- Location: Virtual
- Cost: Free
- Details: The 2021 “Our Struggle Continues” event will be streamed utilizing Facebook, Zoom, and YouTube. The online character of the event provides the opportunity to invite guests from around the U.S. and the world. Visit the Detroit MLK Day Facebook page for more information.