This week we are highlighting exciting Atlanta events you can take part in to make MLK Day a “day on”, and not just a “day off!” From 5Ks to peace marches, we’re sharing plenty of activities for you and your family to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr.
Why is MLK Day Important?
Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential American civil rights leader that lead many well-known campaigns to push for equality for all.His legacy includes influential decision, actions, and steadfast progressions for not just civil rights, but humanitarian rights as well. He led several non-violent protests to end segregation that prevented African Americans from entering certain places, such as schools, hotels, restaurants, and more. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 at a young 39 years old, but his legacy still lives on and his work in society has improved many Americans’ quality of life, even today.
While Dr. King made monumental strides for equality, we still face civil rights challenges today. We celebrate Dr. King’s tradition, honor, and excellence every year by continually striding toward humanitarian rights in America, especially on his national Holiday every third Monday of January.
How You Can Participate
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
Partake in free entrance and activities to learn and honor the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger book to help guide them through the museum. You can also visit his historic home, but get there early, as tickets are first come, first serve.
Center for Civil and Human Rights
This is an awesome civil rights museum that is full of rich history, including Dr. King’s legacy.
Free Entrance to all Georgia National Parks
Honor Dr. King at Georgia’s national parks. Each park is offering complimentary entrance, including Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area on January 20, 2020.
MLK Day 5K at Piedmont Park
Walkers and runners welcome! Join others for a race through Piedmont Park, starting and finishing at 10TH near Park Tavern. This is a USATF certified race and a Peachtree Road Race qualifier! A 3.1-mile drum line will play along the race course.
Address: 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Party starts at 8 a.m.; race kicks off at 9 a.m., sharp!
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Celebrate with your little ones! The $18.95 fee for attendees 2+ include MLK Day Readers Theater, MLK Day Music & Movement and MLK Day Story-time. Activities take place 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Call 404-659-5437 for more detail.
Free MLK Jr. Day Tour at Oakland Cemetery
Join cemetery tourists for a FREE MLK Day celebration at the historic Oakland Cemetery. The tour, “We Shall Overcome: African American Stories from Civil War to Civil Rights” will take place January 20th, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at 248 Oakland Ave. SE. Contact 404-688-2107 for more detail.
Rich Theatre at Woodruff Arts Center
The Rich Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center and the Alliance Theatre’s Palefsky Collision Project will come back together to explore themes of the summer project inspired by 1984 letters to Dr. King. It’s sure to leave you feeling uplifted and excited! Two performances will take place throughout the day. Tickets and more information are available here.
MLK Museum Day at Atlanta History Center
Free admission and special programs to honor MLK. This year features a performance of “Walking Through the Valley” by Addae Moon. Jan. 20.
2020 Henry County NAACP MLK Celebration
Celebratory events in honor of Dr. King will take place January 18-20, 2020! Activities include a Vision 2020 Prayer Breakfast, a History Program, and the Freedom March Parade. Get tickets here.
Holiday Dinner at Lynwood Park Community Center
The City of Brookhaven’s annual dinner will take place 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lynwood Park, and will honor Dr. King’s legacy. The cost is $10 and includes activities and dinner. Call 404-637-0542 for ticket information.
Parades around Georgia
Gwinnett County MLK Parade
Martin Luther King Parade in Dublin
Savannah MLK Parade
Image via Forest Simon