Do your children know why they are off school on Monday? Here are some events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort.

Washington, DC:

2018’s Peace Walk will begin at 10:00am on Monday, January 15th at 2500 MLK Ave SE and end at the Barry Farm Recreation Center.

Monday, January 15 at 12:00pm: 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr., Parade
(Good Hope Road near the Anacostia Park entrance)
We look forward to the 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and another festive experience. Participants are committed to continuing this strong tradition started more than 30 years ago by radio talk show host and community activist Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene, Washington Informer publisher and philanthropist Dr. Calvin W. Rolark and former Ward 8 Councilmember Wilhelmina J. Rolark when they organized the annual Martin Luther King Day Parade (on one of the nation’s first streets named in honor of the civil rights leader, following his death in 1968). The parade began in 1979, six years before Kings’s birthday became a federal holiday. We continue the tradition and celebration that the Rolarks and Petey Greene started, as we honor Dr. King and keep his message alive. The Parade will commence on January 15th at 12:00 noon and will begin from Good Hope Road near the Anacostia Park entrance SE Washington, DC and continue along MLK Avenue to Barry Farm Recreation Center, on Sumner Road, where the MLK Holiday DC Health & Community Fair will be underway. Across the nation and the world, Dr. King’s life and legacy is commemorated by a day of service and promoted as A Day On and Not a Day Off.  The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade symbolizes the need to continue Dr. King’s work and reinforces the idea reflected in his words, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Those who believe in Dr. King’s message are considered members of the Coalition for Peace and are invited to join the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Parade every year.

“It Takes  a Village” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Saturday & Monday- Serve DC connects residents with volunteer opportunities and community-based organizations with resources and volunteers and tracks the number and locations of volunteers and service projects citywide.

Monday, January 15, 2018 at 6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring! 
TheThe Kennedy Center and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the free, ticketed musical tribute Let Freedom Ring! The annual program, part of the free daily performance series on the Millennium Stage, features Grammy® and Tony®–nominated performer Vanessa Williams and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. The line for the ticket giveaway will form on Monday, January 15 in the Hall of Nations, at the glass doors leading to the Grand Foyer. Patrons must be in line to receive tickets. Tickets will be distributed, up to two (2) per person, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are reserved seats. Limited seating availability. Seating will begin at 5:15 p.m. All patrons are asked to be seated by 5:40 p.m.

Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial– This weekend is a great time to visit the Memorial. National Park Service Rangers discuss King’s role in the Civil Rights movement daily. The National Park Service will host a wreathlaying service on January 15 from 8:00am-9:00am. in observance of the birthday-anniversary for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join Rock Creek Conservancy  in honor of the 2018 MLK Day of Service. There are volunteer events in your neighborhood as well as other locations throughout Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD. Schedule below-

Saturday, Jan. 13^th

Turkey Branch:  10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Mouth of Rock Creek:  10 AM to 12 PM, Invasive species removal

Monday, Jan. 15^th

Randolph Hills Local Park:  9:30 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Crestwood/Piney Branch:  10 AM to 11 AM, English Ivy removal

Fenwick Branch:  10 AM to 11 AM, Invasive vine removal

Pierce Mill with Blue Planet Scuba:  10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Soapstone Tributary with DC Mayor’s Office:  10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Meadowbrook Local Park:  10 AM to 12 PM, Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Beret Park:  1 PM to 3 PM , Trash cleanup (kid friendly)

Hearst Rec Center: 2 PM to 4 PM, English Ivy removal

 

Maryland:

Saturday, January 13th from 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday, January 14th from 12:00pm-5:00pm, and Monday, January 15th from 10:00am-5:00pm: I Have a Dream weekend at Port Discovery Children’s Museum is all weekend. Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy through hands-on educational activities exploring African-American history and heritage during Port Discovery’s “I Have a Dream Weekend.” Join in a variety of interactive programs designed to educate, inspire and help children of all ages to understand the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. made on America and the world throughout the weekend.

Monday, January 15 from 10:00am-6:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream at The American Visionary Art Museum
A celebration in honor of the life and dreams of one of the greatest visionaries in America’s history. Join us for free admission, workshops, birthday cake, and special performances at this FREE, fun-filled day! The museum is FREE & open to the public. Visit our latest exhibition, The Great Mystery Show, and tour our entire Wonderland campus, including the Jim Rouse Visionary Center & more! A special invitation is extended to educators and all the wonderful people who help to empower the next generation. Teachers, come pick up our educational materials and discover the many educational offerings we have available for you and your students.

Monday, January 15 at 11:00am: New Orchestra of Washington (NOW) Family Concert 
Bring the whole family to enjoy a special family concert! The colorful program will engage listeners both young, and young at heart. After the concert, you may opt to stay, for the instrument petting zoo and pizza lunch. If you are looking for something to do on a cold holiday, this is it!

Monday, January 15 from 1:00pm-3:00pm: Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 2018
Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all. He challenged us to build a more perfect union and taught us that everyone has a role to play.  On Monday, Jan. 15 we join together to honor Dr. King’s life and teachings at the Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 1-3 pm at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center, as well as other sites across the county.

Monday, January 15 at 3:30pm Dr. MLK Jr Tribute & Celebration at Strathmore
Montgomery County celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s life through dramatic readings, music, and dance performances. This will be the first time in many years the holiday falls on his actual birthday, making this program particularly significant, with very special entertainment including a choral performance by the civil rights iconic Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir from Birmingham, Alabama. A visual art display from students interpreting what their dreams are for the future will also be presented. Free tickets are required for this event, and will be distributed onsite the day of the performance (Monday, January 15) starting at 2:30pm. All patrons must be in line to receive tickets, and one ticket will be distributed per person. The line will form in the Music Center foyer, starting near the café. Patrons may enter on the 3rd floor near the skybridge. Tickets are for general admission seating, which will begin at 3pm. Come early for the best seating.