Happy New Year to the Detroit community and beyond! January is coming in hot with Detroitisit’s guide to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Metro Detroit as the annual MLK celebrations spread near & wide to showcase the real story of courage in tremendous ways.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as MLK Day is celebrated on Monday, January 20 this year. This federal holiday is a national recognition & remembrance of the legacy carried forth by civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who had several titles to his name. The national holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15.
The history and ties to Detroit make this day extra special for those dwelling in the area since Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech was first delivered at Cobo Hall in Detroit in 1963. On June 23, 1963, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. walked down Woodward Ave. as part of the Freedom March.
With Black History Month on the way in February, Detroitisit has a guide to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Metro Detroit for a variety of events in the area to participate in. Make a difference & come together with your family.
AUTHOR, SHARON E. SEXTON TO SPEAK AT DUFFIELD BRANCH, PHOTO DETROIT PUBLIC LIBRARY/ EVENTBRITE
MLK DAY WITH SHARON E. SEXTON
Date & Time: Saturday, January 11, 2025 · 2 – 3:30 PM
Head over to the Duffield Branch Library to support the Detroit Public Library in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Metro Detroit and Detroit. Make it a grand afternoon of learning & listening with Sharon E. Sexton. Sharon is the author of “MLK Jr.’s Detroit Dream Memoir of a Civil Rights Foot Soldier”, published in 2023. Understand her perspective as she reflects and shares personal experiences from the 1963 Freedom March with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Detroit. Free and open to the public, this event is on a first come, first served basis. Click HERE to reserve a spot (does not guarantee seating).
LET FREEDOM RING AT FOX THEATRE, PHOTO @THEFOXTHEATREDETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
LET FREEDOM RING
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at 5 PM
Detroitisit’s Guide to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Metro Detroit for the new year is letting freedom ring in special ways. Rainbow PUSH hosts “Let Freedom Ring” at the historic Fox Theatre on MLK Day. This free public event is an eye-opening experience, highlighting the impactful life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You’ll get to hear from several elected officials that are exemplary social justice stewards. Individuals sharing their remarks include: Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, Sen. Gary. Click HERE for more information.
Location: Fox Theatre at 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
CELEBRATING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.: HENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION
Date & Time: Begins Saturday, January 18 and runs through Monday, January 20
Detroitisit’s guide to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Metro Detroit includes sensory experiences to help us all feel more empathy towards the path to freedom. Visit The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation for an unforgettable celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Take advantage of the three days of special programming, performances, and special tours and screenings in Giant Screen Experience. Click HERE to view the website for more information.
Location: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
22ND ANNUAL MLK DAY RALLY AND MARCH
Date & Time: Monday, January 20, 2025 at 12
This guide to Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Metro Detroit has plenty to offer in Detroit, including traditional & modern ways of educating the community. Fight back your power in an empowering way with the 22nd Annual MLK Day Rally and March at St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. Sponsored by the Detroit MLK Committee, join in on the six decades of mass struggles. Follow in the footsteps of great risk takers that left their mark and pave way for a more harmonious future! Click HERE to view the Eventbrite for more information on this free event.
Location: 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI
RELISH IN MLK’S POWERFUL “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH ON YOUR OWN
We’re living in a time where we can have the past, present, and future at our fingertips. Utilize your ability to self-motivate and hear the echoing words of leaders who made an imprint in our country. Listen to a YouTube video tape recording of the lasting ripple effect created by MLK’s “I have a Dream” speech, delivered in the beloved city of Detroit. Honor the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as he led Detroit’s Walk to Freedom/Freedom March in 1963. What’s one of your favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quotes?
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