Born on January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. is the most well-known leader in the civil rights movement. He focused on nonviolent protests and civil disobedience to combat racial inequality. Across the country on January 18, Americans will celebrate the life of Dr. King with celebrations in the cities or by giving back to their communities. This year, in the city famous for Philly cheesesteaks, you and your family can honor Dr. King.
A MLK Day Celebration will be held at the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities such as “Wish Tree” and “Superheroes Among Us” will use art and stories to explore the ideas of Martin Luther King, Jr., with a focus on dreams. The festivities will come to a close with a peace parade around the museum at 4:30 p.m. This activity is a great way to get children engaged with history and the power of their own voices.
In Center City, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform its annual MLK Tribute Concert. This event combines the traditions of African-American culture and Western classical music. The concert pays tribute to Dr. King’s vision of equality, and his belief in the power of music. It is free to attend, with tickets given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.
To give back to your community, consider participating in the Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service. Organized through Global Citizen, the MLK Day of Service encompasses thousands of projects, including a job and opportunity fair where employers can register tables or establish a community project to donate supplies, skills, and more. The organization promotes year-round volunteer service and civic engagement. Girard College will act of the Day of Service hub, with projects, workshops, trainings, the job fair, and the health and wellness fair.
There are so many incredible things happening throughout the city on Martin Luther King Day. Consider attending any one of these events to engage with and celebrate America’s history. To keep warm during your travels, be sure to stop by Geno’s and grab some famous Philly cheesesteaks, and be sure to check out all the other fun things happening in January.