Events
Happy Birthday, Dr. King
Through music, dance, and discussion, these events help commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s message.
Given the political division so evident in last year’s presidential election, there’s no better time to come together and celebrate the life of one legendary man who fought for equality, unity, and peace. Through music, dance, and many other mediums, these eight events help commemorate and immortalize some of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most important messages.
Films
SELMA
Jan. 9, Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1531 W. North Ave. 5 p.m. Jan. 18, Enoch Pratt Free Library, 3601 Eastern Ave. 12:30-7:30 p.m. This film depicts MLK Jr.’s violent and dangerous campaign through the South in 1965, a campaign that ended in a triumphant march on Selma.
RACE
Jan. 16. Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. 1-3 p.m. In honor of MLK Day, see this 2016 film about African-American Olympic athlete Jesse Owens.
Festivals
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Jan. 16. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Celebrate MLK Day with guided tours, music, and special events throughout the day, with a birthday cake fit for a king.
MLK DAY CELEBRATION
Jan. 16. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 12-4 p.m. Honor King’s legacy with family activities including crafts, a film screening, and dance performances by the Full Circle Dance Company.
Family
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE
Jan. 16. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 12-2 p.m. See community bands, color guards, dance groups, civic organizations, steppers, floats, and more in this 17th annual parade.
THROWBACK THURSDAY: I HAVE A DREAM
Jan. 26. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 3601 Eastern Ave. 5:30 p.m. Give your full attention to this legendary speech, played aloud in its entirety.
Discussion
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION
Jan. 12. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 5-8 p.m. The Baltimore Urban Debate League and Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle discuss King’s accomplishments with presentations, art making, and a ’60s-themed photo booth.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Jan. 14. The Maryland Historical Society, 201 W. Monument St. 2 p.m. Prolific author, labor economist, and educator Julianne Malveaux presents the library’s commemorative annual lecture on MLK’s impactful career.