As we honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on what would have been his 97th birthday weekend, we invite you to pause for a moment to reflect on where we were as a nation, how far we’ve come and how much ground there is yet to cover in this fight for equality and ultimately, freedom.
Memphis already kicked off the celebratory weekend with “A Conversation with Kamala Harris,” where former presidential candidate challenged us to care for and see one another, register to vote and show up to the polls and uphold a standard of excellence for which Americans have come to be known. If you missed that jam-packed event at the Orpheum Theatre, no worries. There is no shortage of celebrations and events happening throughout the mid-south, now through Monday, Jan. 19, to observe Dr. King’s birthday.
Whether you want to kick back and just enjoy the culture, or want to celebrate in a more ceremonious and sanctimonious way, here is a curated list that has just about everyone covered.
National Civil Rights Museum’s (NCRM) KING DAY Celebration
Monday, Jan. 19, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: NCRM, 450 Mulberry Street
As in year’s past, the National Civil Rights Museum will host a day-long celebration themed “Community over Chaos,” honoring the fallen hero. The celebration will include live performances, family activities, food trucks, a storytelling hub and an opportunity to give back through Vitalant’s (formerly Life Blood) mobile blood donation and food pantry donations to the Mid-South Food Bank. Blood donors will receive a free MLK Spirit of Service T-shirt or VIP passes to the NCRM. Admission is free, thanks to FedEx but registration is encouraged. A virtual presentation starts at 10 a.m. Register here.
LeMoyne-Owen College Annual Alumni Breakfast
Monday, Jan. 19, 7:30 a.m.
Location: Renasant Convention Center, 255 N. Main Street
Dr. Glenda Baskin-Glover, the former President of Tennessee State University and current president of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., will deliver the keynote speech at the 35th annual MLK Prayer Breakfast. This year, the late alumnus Myron Lowery will be honored and his cremains will be enshrined at the college’s Lowery Communication Center, a facility opened in 2025 thanks to the generosity of Lowery’s family. Attendees will process from the breakfast to the college, located at 807 Walker Ave., for the ceremony.
Tickets are $80, tables are $750. Contact LeMoyne College Alumni Office for more info, 901-870-2944.
Service Events:
Wolf River Conservancy Day of Service
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: T.O. Fuller State Park, 1500 West Mitchell Road
Details: As part of its Wolf River Restoration Series, Wolf River Conservancy is hosting a clean up at T.O. Fuller State Park, the first state park open for African Americans east of the river. Register here.
Jack and Jill Day of Service – J&J Swims
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m.
Location: Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA Whitehaven, 4727 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Details: Empowering the community through water safety and wellness, free swim lessons, water safety education in indoor heated pool, healthy snack station, free screening of documentary “Wade in the Water: Drowning in Racism”
Memphis City Beautiful – Neighborhoods Across Memphis
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Locations: Various clean-up and planting activities all across Memphis. Learn more and register here.
Youth Villages MLK Day Closet Cleanup
Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m – 1 p.m.
Location: Youth Villages,
Details: Youth Villages is in need of community members to help organize the Clothing Donation Closet so they can better serve families in need.
Remembrance Events:
Teamsters Local Union 667 Annual MLK Day Commemorative March
Monday, Jan. 19, 8 a.m.
Location: Corner of N. Main Street and A.W. Willis
Details: Led by Teamsters, local pastors and other community leaders (wear all black), walking united in faith, purpose and love. Ceremony begins at 8 a.m., march takes place at 9 a.m.
Memphis Men Rising
Monday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Centenary United Methodist Church, 584 E. McLemore Ave.
Details: Following the MLK Day Commemorative March, join for an afternoon of unity and community building, featuring light refreshments, speakers and resources.
4th Annual MLK Day of Service Lead Free South Memphis Canvassing Day
Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Memphis Rox Climbing, 879 E. McLemore Ave.
Details: Co-hosted by Young, Gifted & Green and Protect Our Aquifer, the day will feature canvassing the neighborhood, promoting lead free soil and
Details:
Recreational Events:
Truce Magazine MLK Day Party
Saturday, Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m.
Location: Inside the Southland Mall, 1215 Southland Mall
Details: Family-friendly birthday celebration, food trucks, vendors, bouncy houses, live band and DJ, guest speakers. Free and open to the public.
The Exchange
Sunday, Jan. 18, 4 p.m.
Location: The Dame Memphis in Hotel Pontotoc, 69 E. Pontotoc Ave.
Details: Free before 5 p.m. with RSVP, Sounds by SOLA
The Kickback
Sunday, Jan. 18, 9 p.m.
Location: Hi-Tone Cafe, 282 N. Cleveland
Details: Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m., featuring Hou Hefner, Big Sue, Devin Steel
MLK Day X Martini Monday
Monday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m.
Location: District 12 Social Club, 6642 Winchester Rd.
Details: Doors open at 6 p.m., Happy Hour from 6 to 7 p.m., hosted by Peppa, PeeWee and Prentis
However you choose to celebrate, remember that we are all in community together and we are stronger together. Bundle up (in layers) and enjoy your MLK day weekend.
