Here are 15 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Louisville this year
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated this year on Jan. 15, is a time to reflect on the change King wanted to bring to America. He was a spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law, a Baptist minister, and a political philosopher. His most famous work, the “I Have a Dream” speech, was delivered in 1963, in which he spoke of his dream of a United States that is void of segregation and racism.
Celebrate his legacy by participating in these events around the Louisville area.
I Have a Dream, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, Mini Marathon and Marathon
WHAT: Honoring Dr. King with the annual 'I Have a Dream Virtual Race.' The 2024 virtual race can be completed any time in January, from anywhere, at your own pace. A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization that is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and safeguarding basic human rights for vulnerable people in America.
WHEN: Anytime during January
WHERE: Virtual
MORE INFORMATION: Registration includes a limited-edition medal with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that reads, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase” $20. virtualrunevents.raceentry.com.
31st Annual Community Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
WHAT: A gospel musical concert featuring Anthony Christain and Friends and a reception.
WHERE: Griffin Recreation Center, 1140 Griffin St., New Albany, Indiana
WHEN: Jan. 13. Concert, 2-3 p.m.; reception, 3 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: 812-949-7275
Keepers of the Dream, A Community Celebration of Dr. King’s Vision
WHAT: The 2024 Keepers of the Dream program will highlight Black Joy. The Civil Rights Movement was a trying time but, through the crevices of trauma, Black Americans managed to find hope and joy. Celebrate Dr. King’s Dream with performances from River City Drum Corp, Keen Dance Theatre, and Redline Performing Arts. Also features LaNita Rocknettes School of Dance, The Real Young Prodigys, The Louisville Living Room, Joshua Percell and Courageous, University of Louisville African American Theatre Program, and more. Preshow performance by Redline Performing Arts in The Kentucky Center Lobby (4-4:45 p.m.) and after the events River City Drum Corp.
WHERE: Whitney Hall, Kentucky Center, 501 W. Main St.
WHEN: Jan. 14, 5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. For all ages, may contain adult content. kentuckyperformingarts.org.
Soul Sunday MLK Weekend Day Party
WHAT: Celebrate with free games, music by DJ Emptybeats, drink specials and dancing.
WHERE: Tavern on Fourhht, 4th Street Live!, 432 S. 4th St.
WHEN: Jan. 14, 5-10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Tickets start at $15. goodtimersentertainment.com.
10th Annual MLK Hope Breakfast
WHAT: The Alpha Lambda Education Foundation hosts the Hope Breakfast in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The goal is to raise funds for scholarships, community outreach, and mentorship programs that benefit the entire community. Speakers: Elder Jonhathan, Jr., University of Louisville student, MLK Scholar, and member of Alpha Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Justice Angela McCormick Bisig, Kentucky Supreme Court Justice of the Fourth Supreme Court District; Lonita Baker, Esq., Corporate Counsel at Waystar and Senator Gerald Neal, Kentucky Senator of District 33, Minority Floor Leader. Caray Grace from WLKY will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
WHERE: The Omni Hotel, 400 S. 2nd St.
WHEN: Jan. 15. Doors open at 8 a.m.; program, 9-11 a.m.
COST: Tickets start at $80
MORE INFORMATION: alphalambda1906.org/alef-2024-hope-breakfast
52nd Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk
WHAT: The annual motorcade to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. The motorcade starts at the Kroger Parking Lot on 28th and Broadway and ends at King Solomon Baptist Church.
WHERE: Begins at King Solomon Baptist Church, 1620 Anderson Street.
WHEN: Jan. 15, 9 a.m. (line up for motorcade)
MORE INFORMATION: Free.
Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Multicultural Ministry Community-Wide Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
WHAT: Theme: ‘Life and Human Dignity'. A service of prayer and praise with Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre; the Archdiocesan Gospel Choir and others through scripture, reflective readings, and songs of praise.
WHERE: Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 S. Fifth St.
WHEN: Jan. 15, 10 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: The celebration will be live-streamed on the Cathedral's YouTube page; youtube.com/@cathedraloftheassumptionlo1534/streams and on the Cathedral’s website: cathedraloftheassumption.org. For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Ministry at 502-471-2146.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
WHAT: Join the University of Louisville Engage Lead Serve Board for its annual MLK Day of Service event to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King through service.
WHERE: Multipurpose Room, Swain Student Activities Center, 2100 South Floyd St.
WHEN: Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free
Muhammad Ali Center celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
WHAT: Muhammad Ali Center celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. The Museum Store will offer a special promotion all day.
Schedule:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Free admission to Muhammad Ali Center. Sponsored by Passport by Molina Health.
Noon: The Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students will host its annual, “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion.
10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.: "I Have a Dream" screening.
WHERE: Muhamad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St.
WHEN: Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: alicenter.org.
Corydon Capital State Historic Site
WHAT: Corydon Capital State Historic Site is offering free admission for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
WHERE: 202 E. Walnut St., Corydon, Indiana
WHEN: Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: indianamuseum.org/historic-sites/corydon-capitol.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
WHAT: Theme: "Faith Communities in the Midst of the Dream: The Time is Now." Bishop Leonard Fairley, Episcopal Leader of the Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church is guest speaker. Sponsored by the Commission on Religion and Race.; co-sponsors Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century and Ethnic Local Church Concerns.
WHERE: Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church, 9800 Westport Road
WHEN: Jan. 15, noon
MORE INFORMATION: The outreach project "Assist–a–Soul" will be accepting hats, gloves, scarves, and more to share with local shelters. kyumc.org.
Day of Service Tree Planting
WHAT: Join Louisville Urban Forestry as they celebrate Dr. King in making Louisville greener with a tree planting event. Tools, training, gloves, safety glasses, safety vests, and water provided.
WHERE: Victory Park, 1051 S. 23rd St.
WHEN: Jan. 15, noon to 3 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Bring a water bottle, wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Sign up: bttr.im/luv3n.
Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration
WHAT: The University of Louisville's African American Theatre Program will celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., using artistic expression to commemorate MLK's contributions to the world. Theme: "Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy: Young Changemakers Building Our Future: Artivism in Action."
WHERE: University of Louisville Playhouse Theatre, 1911 S. Third St.
WHEN: Jan. 15, 1 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Celebration
WHAT: The MLK holiday celebration begins with the annual Freedom March at 1 p.m. and concludes with a commemorative program held at the Central Bank Center at 2 p.m. The March begins and ends at the Central Bank Center. The Commemorative Program keynote speaker is Reverend Dr. Kevin W. Cosby. Music by internationally renowned youth choral ensemble Uniting Voices Chicago and Uniting Voices Lexington.
WHEN: Jan. 15, 1 p.m.
WHERE: Central Bank Center, 430 W. Vine St., Lexington
MORE INFORMATION: uky.edu/mlk.
Yearlings Club Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Program & Reception
WHAT: Celebrate and commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Swanni Jett, chief executive officer, Park DuValle Community Health Center. Host: the Yearlings Club Forum Series and University of Louisville, College of Arts & Sciences. Sponsored by Park DuValle Community Health Center.
WHERE: 4309 W. Broadway
WHEN: Jan. 15, 5-8 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: Free. Refreshments and cash bar hosted by the Yearlings Club Inc. For more information, contact Sedge Parker at 502-541-3364.
Reach features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024 in Louisville: How to celebrate
