Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in and around Washington, DC

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving forward.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The National Museum of African American History & Culture has a great resource complete with activities for children and families to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he stood for. It also includes talking points to start a conversation with kids about racism and activism.

We encourage you to volunteer with your family in whatever capacity fits your needs as we celebrate the legacy and life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Visit: Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library. After a recent library renovation, you’ll be amazed you are in a library; complete with a recording studio, dance studio, an indoor slide and a rooftop terrace.

Children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and marches:
Let the Children March
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sometimes People March
I am Martin Luther King, Jr

Rock Creek Park, in partnership with Rock Creek Conservancy will host the annual MLK Weekend of Service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of community action. With service events planned at Rock Creek Park and throughout the Rock Creek watershed, we invite our neighbors to join us and help their communities by picking up litter and removing invasive species from our beloved public green spaces! 

DC Public Library events
From an Advocate Speech Contest, Essay & Poetry, Word Searches and more at various libraries.

Come experience the National Parks for free on January 16! National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

9:30am: MLK Jr Peace Walk
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the Washington DC metropolitan communities. Over a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ join annually in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC.

9:30am-12:30pm: 49th Annual MLK Jr Day Virtual Celebration
Join the City of Rockville for the 51^st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This free event features performances, awards, a keynote speaker, interactive booths and a continental breakfast (while supplies last).

10:00am-1:00pm: Clean Waterways Cleanup: MLK Day of Service 2022
All equipment is provided, please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rain or Shine. All supplies provided. 

10:00am-5:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream Day
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history’s greatest visionaries. Open Mic, art-making, music, dance and more!

6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring! at the Kennedy Center
Join for a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. featuring Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. The annual program is presented as part of the Center’s Millennium Stage free performance series.

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