Monday, January 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. MLK Day 2023 events in Detroit open up the day to learn, reflect, observe, work in service, and celebrate the American Civil Rights Leader. MLK Day events in Detroit this year carry on the voice & legacy of a peaceful leader. The day is especially meaningful for many Detroiters who have looked up to Martin Luther King Jr.’s life as a model for how racial change and equality can fuel a community.
Detroitisit rounded up a list of service and action-oriented MLK Day 2023 events to celebrate the new year. All events occur on January 16th 2023. Find groups, organizations, and more that honor a dreamer that paved the way in African American history. Mark your calendars for scattered events throughout the month.
MLK IN THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR FREEDOM AND JOBS 1963, PHOTO HISTORYHD / UNSPLASH
20th ANNUAL DETROIT MLK DAY RALLY & MARCH
Time: 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Sponsored by the Detroit MLK Committee, the 20th Annual March and Rally is a perfect kickoff to a day and month of inspirational action. This special event will honor six decades of mass movements in Detroit and beyond. “The Struggle Continues” is also a prominent theme echoed throughout the day. This event will feature speakers and artists active in the movements for social justice, peace, and self-determination. You’ll have a chance to move and then an opportunity to sit. Listen to the speakers and cultural workers as they share their experiences from other social movements taking place in Michigan, nationally, and around the globe.
Location: St Matthew’s & St Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL RIDE
MLK DAY 2023 BIKE RIDE EVENT IN DETROIT, PHOTO TOUR DE TROIT / FACEBOOK
Start time: 10 AM
MLK Day in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without a little trip down memory lane…which is to say, an actual bike ride in Detroit, the city where Martin Luther King, Jr. first delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech! On January 16, 2023, you’re invited to join TdT for its 11th annual celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Click HERE to learn more about the event, including parking, the course, and other information.
CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH ON WASHINGTON, DC DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR 1963, PHOTO UNSEENHISTORIES ORIGNAL PHOTO BY ROWLAND SCHERMAN / UNSPLASH
MLK DAY OF SERVICE WITH DETROIT PHOENIX
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. This year, this community organization is collaborating with MFF Community Trailblazer Awardee Courtney Smith of Detroit Phoenix Center for MLK Day. Detroit Phoenix Center provides critical and holistic needs to youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness. Click HERE to participate while recognizing MLK’s life and legacy!
Drop off a donation to DPC between 11am and 2pm – Items in need include: Non-perishable food items, shower, hygiene, and laundry essentials, formula, diapers, and wipes, feminine care products, gift cards, bus passes, and PPE Gear (Masks, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc.). If you would like to drop off a donation, complete this form by Friday, January 13.
Location: YouthVille Detroit 7375 Woodward Ave, Detroit
MLK DAY OF SERVICE WITH BAMBOO
PHOTO JOEL MUNIZ / UNSPLASH
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
MLK Day 2023 is a time to look for ways to make the community stronger by volunteering at amazing organizations. Join Bamboo Members to volunteer for the Destined For Greatness MLK Day event and giveaway. This community organization empowers and motivates at-risk young women ages 11-21. Help provide resources like food, diapers, baby bottles, clothing for all, senior incontinence, and hygiene kits for men & women to Detroit residents in need. Click HERE for tickets.
Location: Destined for Greatness Facility, 5555 Conner Street, Detroit
FROM FAITH TO WORKS PRAYER BREAKFAST, PHOTO, BLACK LEADERS DETROIT / FACEBOOK
FROM FAITH TO WORKS PRAYER BREAKFAST
Join Black Leaders Detroit as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., pray for Black-led businesses, and enjoy food and fellowship at the From Faith to Works Prayer Breakfast. In Detroit, 80% of the population is Black, while only a chosen few have been funded to lead the city’s “comeback.” Black Leaders Detroit is elevating the community by challenging 1 million people to give at least $1/week. Get your tickets HERE.
Location: 8425 W McNichols Rd, 8425 West McNichols Road, Detroit
2023 I HAVE A DREAM 1M 5K 10K
Date & Time: Jan 16 2023 7:00 pm to Jan 31 2023 11:00 pm
Honor MLK this year with a worldwide event you can do wherever you want. Join the Moon Joggers’ third annual “I Have A Dream” virtual race. ” The virtual races can be completed anytime in January 2023, but why not participate directly on January 16? A portion of every registration fee (15%) will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative. The donation comes with a limited-edition medal with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that reads, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Keep the dream alive! Click HERE to buy tickets.
Location: 8425 W McNichols Rd, 8425 West McNichols Road, Detroit
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