Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader with a very significant influence in the history of the United States, who altered the civil rights movement forever. He was the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and rightfully so. MLK led the Birmingham Campaign, the Montgomery bus boycott, and the March on Washington. He changed the world forever through non-violent protests, so now, his accomplishments are remembered through an annual Martin Luther King Jr. day that is celebrated every third Monday of January. This year, MLK Day is on his actual birthday, January 15.
There are many MLK celebrations nationwide, such as the MLK Memorial Breakfast in Washington, DC, or the largest MLK Jr. March in the nation that takes place in San Antonio, Texas. But if you are looking for local celebrations, here is a list of local MLK commemorations.
Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast
From 8 am to 10:30 am, the Black Student Union will host the 16th Unity Breakfast at the University of Washington in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. The breakfast will be held on the 15th of January in Tacoma’s William W. Philip Hall (WPH) on Commerce St. The Speakers of the Union will also be delivering speeches on the goal of freedom, justice, and equity.
Everett Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration and March
The Everett Community March will be held on January 15th from 11 am to 2:30 pm. The march will begin at the Everett Memorial Stadium and end at the VOAWW Carl Gipson. At the end of the march, there will be a celebration with food, music, and speakers. There will also be a youth art and essays competition with the theme: “It Starts with Me… Not a Commemoration, It’s a Continuation.”
Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee MLK Sunday Service
Everett’s MLK Sunday Service is the oldest event in Everett, with this year being the 35th commemoration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This MLK Sunday Service will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Everett. This is located at 2936 Rockefeller Avenue. The service will start at 3 and end at 5 pm on January 14th. The service will include speakers, an award ceremony for the Prodigies for Peace Youth Award winners, and music from the Greater Everett MLK Celebration Choir.
Washington State History Museum MLK Day Theater Performance
The most unique local celebration for MLK is the Washington State History Museum’s theater performance. On Monday, January 15, there will be two performances at the Washington State History Museum. The first performance will be at 11 am and the second will take place at 1 pm. This performance of Where Blooming Flowers Meet the Sky by Darryin B. Cunningham tells the story of Zhuli, a young poet. During the play, Zhuli meets her ancestors from the 1960s civil rights era, and they help Zhuli find her voice through their wisdom.
