DETROIT (WWJ) – As the country celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, there are events planned all across Metro Detroit to commemorate the civil rights icon.
Here’s a look at just some of the events scheduled across the area:
MLK Day at the Wright Museum: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
There’s a full day of festivities planned at the museum on Warren Avenue in Midtown, beginning with a MLK Prayer Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Other events include family-friendly workshops and programming, a feature film on racism in America and a lecture series. See the full schedule on the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History website.
Let Freedom Ring – MLK Celebration hosted by Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Fox Theatre: 4 p.m.
A free public event at the Fox Theatre will honor six people whose work has “shined the light on humanity and expound the life of Dr. King.” Among those to be honored will be Michigan running back Blake Corum, who will receive with the inaugural Collegiate Social Service Award for his contributions off the field. Earlier this fall he used personal NIL funds to purchase turkeys in Ypsilanti. See the full details here.
60th Anniversary of the Detroit Freedom March at the Detroit Historical Museum: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In June 1963 about 125,000 people marched with Dr. King down Woodward Avenue in Detroit as he delivered an early version of his famed “I Have a Dream” speech. The Detroit Historical Society is inviting kids to march through the museum’s galleries to pay tribute to that day. Detroit attorney Elliott Hall will speak about the impact of that march and show footage of the speech. Register for the free event here.
MLK Jr. Day at the Henry Ford: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is “celebrating the life and lasting call to action of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by offering a free day of inspiration.” With free admission and free parking on Monday, the museum will feature a number of featured exhibits, events and programs. See the full list of exhibits and programs here.
20th Annual MLK Fellowship Breakfast: 9 a.m.
The Macomb County Ministerial Alliance will honor MLK’s life and legacy with its 20th annual Fellowship Breakfast at the MRCC Banquet and Convention Center in Warren. The event will feature music from gospel singer Vicky Winans and an address from President of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony. More details on the event here.
A Day On, Not A Day Off
The cities and school districts of Royal Oak and Berkley will hold a joint MLK Day event for the entire community to remember, participate, and honor MLK. Festivities kick off with a march beginning at Berkley High School at 9:30 a.m., followed by service projects throughout the day. A list of events and what can be donated can be found on the city of Royal Oak’s website.
Wayne State University’s MLK Day of Service
Wayne State’s AmeriCorps Urban Safety program is partnering with Marathon Petroleum to offer free health and wellness events, including food distribution, dental services and more at the Kemeny Recreation on Fort Street. Register for the event here.
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