Delaware hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Day events that celebrate him with acts of service

Martin Luther King Jr. marched down a long and inconvenient road toward human rights, a path that cost him his life when he was assassinated in 1968.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday observed on the third Monday of January, honors King's legacy and life as the "only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities," according to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

King's sacrifice has inspired events that call people to volunteer their time to give back to the Delaware community through various acts of service.

Here are some ways you can celebrate MLK Day in the First State this year.  

Martin Luther King Jr. & Black History Tribute, Wilmington

Attendees will hear the powerful words of MLK in this celebration of his life and Black heritage that feature special guests for this annual tribute that will be livestreamed. There also will be performances by Jacqueline Beach Faulcon, piano and JBF Merit Scholars, plus students from the Music School of Delaware's MELODY program (Music Enriches the Lives of Delaware Youth). This event, according to the Music School's website, benefits the Jacqueline Beach Faulcon Scholarships for people of color.

Music School of Delaware (4101 Washington St., Wilmington) from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12. Donations are accepted. Visit musicschoolofdelaware.org or (302) 762-1132.

The Life of MLK, Milford

Longtime MLK impersonator the Rev. John G. Moore will speak on the life of the civil rights leader at this event, presented by Milford Museum.  

Milford Public Library (11 SE Front St., Milford) from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Visit facebook.com/milforddemuseum or (302) 424-1080.

MLK stage production: 'Celebration of Life of Dr. Martin Luther King'

The theatrical production "Celebration of Life of Dr. Martin Luther King with Artists in Heaven" is back by popular demand. The show includes actor John Canada Terrell (cast as Flash in "The Five Heartbeats"), Dwight Bazemore, Linda Pipkin and R&B singer Glenn Jones.

Congo Legacy Center (501 W. 28th St., Wilmington) on Sunday, Jan. 14. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for dining and vending. Show starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are $50. Visit LifeinHeavenMLK2.Eventbrite.com.

Martin Luther King Jr. tribute, Delaware State University

The 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday event is back to carry on the legacy of this human rights giant. The program, presented by Delaware State University in collaboration with the Inner City Cultural League, features the Sankofa String Orchestra & Drums, and musical selections.

DeLauder Theater, Education and Humanities Building (1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover) from noon to 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 15. Free admission. Visit desu.edu/events or (302) 857-6060.

MLK 'Good Trouble' celebration, Wilmington 

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Clean Up, Peace March, and Celebration is more than about offering a day of service. This 12th annual event is also a demonstration of peace, community strength, and a call to action for supporters to get into “Good Trouble,” according to organizers.

The community cleanup meets at MSK Community Center from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The peace march lines up at the Community Center from noon to 1 p.m. The event ends with a celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. (Participants can register at the below website.)

The celebration offers performances through Delaware Music Network featuring LA Casa De, Just David (Harris), Keyanna Hunt, Zeeky El, Move and Inspire, G Dash Jones, Songbird TheGoddess and D.J. Rock.

This event also includes free food, live music, a small business marketplace, community resources and more.

Guests will join West Side Grows Together, Be Ready CDC, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Nature Society, MSK Community Center, I Am My Sister’s Keeper, West End Neighborhood House, and the Wilmington Peacekeepers.

MSK Community Center (1009 Sycamore St., Wilmington) from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Visit westsidegrows.org or (302) 888-5346.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, Wilmington

Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, is the keynote speaker for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and Statewide Day of Service.

For this annual event, presented by Delaware State Bar Association, participants may register to attend the breakfast, or assist in volunteering to be a donor in a blood drive with the Blood Bank of Delmarva at the Chase Center on the Riverfront (815 Justison St., Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration for the blood drive is available at the website below.

MLK Breakfast is at Chase Center on the Riverfront (815 Justison St., Wilmington) at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15. Cost is $45 per person. Visit dsba.org or (302) 658-5279.

MLK Day cleanup at Brandywine Creek State Park, near Centreville

Folks can use MLK Day to help remove a variety of invasive plants in the park. Dress appropriately for the weather. Gloves and tools will be provided. Refreshments will be served.

The minimum age to participate is 16 (with an adult). Volunteers can RSVP to Julie.Lawrence@delaware.gov.

Brandywine Creek State Park (41 Adams Dam Road, near Centreville) from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 15. Visit volunteer.delaware.gov.

MLK Day cleanup at White Creek State Park, Pike Creek

Folks are invited to remove invasive plants and help restore habitat at the Judge Morris Estate section of White Creek State Park. This act of service is suitable for children aged 16 and over with a parent consent form and parent or guardian supervision.

Volunteers should wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and layered clothing that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Ticks are active in the park and poison ivy might be present. Use caution and check for ticks after returning home, according to Delaware State Parks. Participants can bring work gloves (if you have them) and a water bottle, loppers and hand pruners. Tools (otherwise) will be provided.

Judge Morris Estate parking Lot (76 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Pike Creek) from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15. To register, visit destateparks.com/volunteer or (302) 739-9181.

Rockwood Park cleanup, near Wilmington

Volunteers can help with removing holiday decorations and lights throughout the park, along with cleaning up Rockwood Park. Participants must be at least 14 years old.

Rockwood Park (4651 Washington St. Extension, near Wilmington) from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 15. To sign up, visit newcastlede.gov/517 or (302) 395-5555.

Glasgow Park cleanup, Glasgow

Volunteers can help with removing holiday decorations and lights throughout the park, along with cleaning up Glasgow Park. Participants must be at least 14 years old.

Glasgow Park (2281 Pulaski Highway, Glasgow) from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 15. To sign up, visit newcastlede.gov/517 or (302) 395-5555.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Delaware events to celebrate holiday