Celebrating the Life and Legacy of MLK

We are fortunate to live in an area that offers unique and memorable opportunities to celebrate the Martin Luther King holiday that are just a short car ride away. Here are just some options available on Monday.

Annapolis

"Garment of Destiny," Banneker-Douglass Museum, 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis, on Monday, Jan. 17 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

This program will feature monologues, poems, and literary passages from the pens of some of the most influential figures of African-American history. Guests will be offered a hands-on activity, including the opportunity to create a garment recording dreams for the future. This event is free and open to the public, but you need to register with the museum by calling 410-216-6186 or email BDMPrograms@goci.state.med.us.

Baltimore City

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade - The event steps off at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Eutaw Street, and proceeds south on Martin Luther King Blvd on Monday, Jan. 17, at noon.

While in Baltimore, be sure to explore Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture and The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum.

"I Have a Dream Celebration" at the Port Discovery Children's Museum, 35 Market Place in Baltimore, on Monday, Jan. 17, from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The museum celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with special programs that include:  an all-day Meet and Greet with the Negro Baseball League; Northwood Elementary's African-American Living History from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Community Charm making from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; an African Wildlife display from 1 p.m. -  3 p.m.; and a program with the Kindersinger from 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Washington, D.C.

"Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Family Festival" on Monday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m at The National Museum of American History.

Special events at the museum include a re-creation of student sit-ins, a Freedom Riders Roundtable Discussion, a presentation of songs of the Civil Rights Movement by the musuem’s Freedom Singers, and a dramatic presentation of Dr. King’s speech.

"Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute and Musical Celebration" on Monday, Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. 

This year’s theme, “Continuing the Legacy…How will YOU Serve?” pays tribute to the life, works, and legacy of Dr. King. Performers include jazz musician Marcus Johnson; the 2010 winners of “How Sweet the Sound,” Men of Valor; and gospel jazz saxophonist, Brian Lenair. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required and advanced tickets are sold out. However, a stand-by line begins at 3 p.m. outside the Music Center and at 3:45 p.m. all tickets are null and void and patrons in the stand-by line will be allowed entry subject to available seating.

"Annual Civil Rights Film Festival” on Monday, Jan. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, 1411 W Street, SE.

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday viewing films featuring the highlights of the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s life. For more information, call 202-426-5961. 

"Let Freedom Ring" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.

The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host this musical celebration of the legacy of King in a free Millennium Stage concert. Tickets are required and will be distributed the day of the event in front of the Concert Hall beginning at 10 a.m.