MLK

Ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in and around Washington, DC

January 13, 2023

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving forward.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The National Museum of African American History & Culture has a great resource complete with activities for children and families to learn more about Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he stood for. It also includes talking points to start a conversation with kids about racism and activism.

We encourage you to volunteer with your family in whatever capacity fits your needs as we celebrate the legacy and life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Visit: Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library. After a recent library renovation, you’ll be amazed you are in a library; complete with a recording studio, dance studio, an indoor slide and a rooftop terrace.

Children’s books about Martin Luther King, Jr. and marches:
Let the Children March
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sometimes People March
I am Martin Luther King, Jr

Rock Creek Park, in partnership with Rock Creek Conservancy will host the annual MLK Weekend of Service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of community action. With service events planned at Rock Creek Park and throughout the Rock Creek watershed, we invite our neighbors to join us and help their communities by picking up litter and removing invasive species from our beloved public green spaces!

DC Public Library events
From an Advocate Speech Contest, Essay & Poetry, Word Searches and more at various libraries.

Come experience the National Parks for free on January 16! National parks are America’s best idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all the time. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

9:30am: MLK Jr Peace Walk
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk is held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the Washington DC metropolitan communities. Over a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ join annually in the two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC.

9:30am-12:30pm: 49th Annual MLK Jr Day Virtual Celebration
Join the City of Rockville for the 51^st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This free event features performances, awards, a keynote speaker, interactive booths and a continental breakfast (while supplies last).

10:00am-1:00pm: Clean Waterways Cleanup: MLK Day of Service 2022
All equipment is provided, please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rain or Shine. All supplies provided.

10:00am-5:00pm: MLK Dare to Dream Day
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history’s greatest visionaries. Open Mic, art-making, music, dance and more!

6:00pm: Let Freedom Ring! at the Kennedy Center
Join for a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. featuring Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. The annual program is presented as part of the Center’s Millennium Stage free performance series.

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Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

January 12, 2018

Art Investigators at National Gallery of Art is back! How do you investigate a work of art? This program helps children make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Each program is approximately 60 minutes.

These free drop-in programs are designed for individual families on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no advance registration and space is limited, so please plan accordingly. We will only accept sign-in for children in the age range for which the program is tailored. Groups cannot be accommodated in the program.

Saturday, January 13th AND Monday, January 15th at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 as well as Sunday, January 14th at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30. Children will study Joan Mitchell this weekend.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

9:30am AND 11:30am: Sound Health: Second Saturdays at Kennedy Center
This new series of free workshops designed for families with children under the age of 8* explores the power of the arts to promote wellness of the mind and body. Every second Saturday of the month, local arts organizations offer two 45-minute workshops in the Kennedy Center Grand Foyer. YoKid: Enjoy a morning of family fun! The sessions will integrate yoga postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness exercises with stories, games, and songs. The YoKid yoga experience empowers participants to become self-aware, resilient youth who mindfully navigate life. Participants will learn and practice strategies to cultivate calm and focus through mindful play. No prior experience necessary. Learn more about YoKid.

10:00am-2:00pm: Michael’s Kids Club
They make, you shop! Kids 3 and up and can enjoy making a Snowman Page Marker. All supplies provided. Parent or guardian must remain on the premises. $2.00

10:30am: Jason Didner and The Jungle Gym Jam at Jammin Java
Jason and Amy’s performance for kids and their grown-ups is more interactive than ever! Act out the parts of a fire engine, shake an egg shaker, twirl a colorful dance ribbon, and catch the rock-n-roll spirit. This is a musical experience for the whole family to cherish together. This is the New Jersey-based duo’s 4th trip to Virginia to perform at Jammin’ Java.

11:30am-3:00pm: Tamayo Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum
SAAM celebrates renowned Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo and the exhibition Tamayo: The New York Years! Bring the entire family for a day of Mexican cultural performances, crafts, and art! Take a trip through Tamayo’s New York with a scavenger hunt, make your own cityscapes with vivid colors and geometric shapes, and use your imagination to create animals inspired by Oaxacan woodcarvings.

2:00pm and 5:30pm: Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at Warner Theatre

6:00pm-9:00pm: Kid’s Night at the Museum at Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Drop of your children for a night of educational play in our hands-on exhibits. We will provide dinner, dessert, crafts, an educational component and supervised playtime in our interactive gallery. KN@M is scheduled for the second Saturday of every month. Registration and prepayment REQUIRED. Children must be potty trained to attend. (Ages 3 – 10)

Sunday, January 14, 2018

10:00am-11:00am: Nous Bloomons
The Alliance Francaise is very proud to continue its partnership with BloomBars, bringing back a weekly music program for children. Nous Bloomons is a celebration of French language and culture through song and dance, led by Achille Ango. Achille grew up in Cameroon (Central West Africa). After graduating from High School, he went to France where he lived for seven years studying and playing music. He has taught French to children, and played music with various bands in the Washington area for more than 20 years. He now teaches French in an immersion school using music as a vehicle. If you want to have fun, dance, jump and sing “à tue-tête”, join us at BloomBars! $7 suggested donation per child. $3 per adult.

1:30pm AND 4:00pm: Charlotte’s Web at Imagination Stage (FINAL WEEKEND, also showtimes on Saturday)
In this beloved classic (now infused with live music!), Fern, a soft-hearted farm girl, forms an unlikely bond with Wilbur, a charismatic pig. At the Zuckerman Farm, Wilbur meets a silly goose, a moody sheep, a selfish rat, and Charlotte, a clever spider. In an effort to save her friend, Charlotte weaves flattering messages about him into her web that cause a sensation in the small town. Fall in love with your favorite characters all over again as they bring this “radiant” tale from page to stage this holiday season! Recommended ages 5+.

Monday, January 15, 2018

MLK Day Post with many ideas and events

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2017 around Washington, DC

January 14, 2017

Do your children know why they are off school on Monday? Here are some events and opportunities you can share with your child to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are plenty of places open and needing assistance on Monday to serve those less fortunate and other places open to remember King.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Make an impact on your community.

Washington, DC:

Martin Luther King Jr., Parade- Monday, January 16, 2017, 10:00am
(2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE)
Nick Cannon will once again lead the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Peace Walk held annually on the federal MLK holiday. The Peace Walk is coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and non-profits dedicated to peace and positivity for the DMV’s youth.

“It Takes a Village” Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project Monday, January 16, 2017- This year there are opportunities for participants to either serve off-campus in direct service projects or engage on-campus through workshops and mobile service projects.

Let Freedom Ring! – Monday, January 16, 2017 at 6:00pm– The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the free, ticketed musical tribute Let Freedom Ring!The annual program, part of the free daily performance series on the Millennium Stage, features Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight and the Let Freedom Ring Choir led by Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr.

Visit the Martin Luther King Memorial– This weekend is a great time to visit the Memorial. National Park Service Rangers discuss King’s role in the Civil Rights movement daily. The National Park Service will host a wreathlaying service on January 19, 2015, 8:00am-9:00am. in observance of the birthday-anniversary for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join Rock Creek Conservancy on Saturday, January 14th and Monday, January 16th in honor of the 2017 MLK Day of Service. There are volunteer events in your neighborhood as well as other locations throughout Washington, DC, and Montgomery County, MD.

Maryland:

Monday, January 16 at 3:30pm Dr. MLK Jr Tribute & Celebration at Strathmore
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Tribute & Celebration is a multi-cultural program that engages diverse, talented performers and award honorees who serve their communities unselfishly. Approximately 2,000 young people, including county officials and local press, participate in this commemoration in the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Limit four tickets per household.

I Have A Dream Weekend Celebration at Port Discovery Children’s Museum taking place from 10:00am-4:00pm Saturday, Sunday & Monday. Community comes to life over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend! Join the Museum to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Montgomery County MLK Day of Service 2017 is a great family friendly event and one in which MCPS students can earn SSL hours. This annual event, organized by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center and our many partner agencies, will feature a wide variety of coordinated family-friendly service projects at locations across the county, providing residents of all ages with ways to help our community. Projects will include everything from packaging food for the hungry and making dog toys for animal shelter to creating blankets for hospice and crafting appreciation cards for military troops.