Americans first celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Junior’s birthday (January 15) as a federal holiday in 1986. But it’s not just a day off of school! Congress also declared the third Monday in January a National Day of Service in 1994. This year we observe this special day on Monday, January 17, 2021.
Each year the President releases a proclamation about Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day. For example, said former president Obama, “NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 19, 2015, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service projects in honor of Dr. King and to visit www.MLKDay.gov to find Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service projects across our country.”
What kind of projects can you do? Anything! Whatever you choose to do, you are helping to honor Dr. King and his vision. The Corporation for National & Community Service recommends projects that can continue to benefit your community throughout the year and offers some ideas and tools to get you started. You can search for events in your area or register your own event so other people can find it and join you in your efforts!
“Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
There are several activities around the Atlanta area being held to honor Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr.'s Birthday, his life, and his legacy to protect civil rights. We hope you find this guide helpful to find a great event for your family.
Events |
Alliance Theatre: Sit-In (Animated Stream)
Atlanta History Center: Martin Luther King (MLK) , Jr. Day
Brookhaven: MLK Drive-In Event
Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
City Springs: Dr. Martin Luther King Virtual Celebration
Dekalb County Weekend of Service: Food distribution, COVID-19 test distribution, prayer, and a parade
Dunwoody Day of Service: MLK Jr. Day (postponed to Feb 5)
Georgia Tech 2022 MLK Celebration and Commemorative Event Series
Historical Sites and Museums |
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
National Day of Service Activities |
Hands-on Atlanta (Various Locations)
Dunwoody Day of Service: MLK Jr. Day
Pebble Tossers MLK Day Spotlight Project
We Repair the World (Various Locations)
