Martin Luther King, Jr. Day occurs on Monday January 15, 2024, and the metro Detroit area is bustling with various events and activities to commemorate the late Civil Rights leader.
As many know, Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader in the American Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and nonviolent activism, King dedicated his life to fighting racial inequality, discrimination, and segregation, much of what society continues to fight against today. He advocated for justice, equal rights, and social harmony, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Honoring King is paramount due to his pivotal role in fighting injustices everywhere. His commitment to nonviolent resistance shaped the Civil Rights movement, advocating love and dialogue for meaningful change. His philosophy continues to inspire global social justice movements, transcending racial barriers. We continue to commemorate his legacy to educate future generations on equality, justice, and tolerance, fostering empathy and understanding. His legacy promotes unity and emphasizes the ongoing fight against inequality and the pursuit of a just and equitable world.
Detroit is hosting numerous celebrations to commemorate his legacy. Below is a list of eleven events scheduled for 2024, providing details on descriptions, dates, times, and locations. Please share the information below and comment on which MLK celebration you plan to attend.
- MLK Celebration: Let Freedom Ring hosted by Rainbow PUSH
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- Description: This public event pays tribute to Dr. King by honoring esteemed social justice leaders, such as Judge Greg Mathis and Big Sean, who will receive the Keep Hope Alive Award. Bishop John Drew Sheard will receive the Theological Leadership Award, while Maha Freij (CEO of ACCESS) and Amy Nederlander (co-founder of L!fe Leaders) will both receive the Social Service Award. The event will include performances by Errol Service Jr., The Cass Technical High School Choral Ensembles, and a Dr. Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
- Date: January 15, 2024 @ 5 p.m. EST
- Location: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
- For more information: Visit 313presents.com.
- Wayne State University’s “A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
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- Description: Wayne State University presents its annual tribute to Dr. King, starting with a panel discussion on January 11. The discussion will explore Detroit’s role in the Civil Rights movement across various aspects such as music, art, religion, politics, and the labor movement. The formal program on January 12 will feature Santita Jackson, daughter of Rev. Jesse Jackson, as the keynote speaker. Jackson, a political analyst, radio and TV host, and renowned vocalist, will share the lessons she learned as a child and their relevance today. The event is hosted by Wayne State University and open to the public.
- Dates: January 11 @ 5 p.m. ET (Panel Discussion) & January 12 @ 10 a.m. EST (Formal Program)
- Location: Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center, 461 Burroughs St., Detroit.
- For more information: Visit https://govaffairs.wayne.edu/mlk2024
- MLK Day at The Wright (Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History)
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- Description: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is organizing a day-long event to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Activities include a prayer breakfast featuring a keynote speech by Jeanelle Austin, executive director of the George Floyd Global Memorial, a screening of Selma, a scavenger hunt, an immersive virtual reality experience showcasing Dr. King’s speeches, hands-on workshops with museum educators, and the opportunity to explore current exhibitions including the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturisim in Costume Design, And Still We Rise and Being Seen. Admission is $15 for adults, while kids 17 and under enjoy free entry. This year’s theme is “Living the Dream: It Starts with Me!”
- Date: January 15 @ various times. For the annual prayer breakfast doors open at 7:30 a.m., breakfast starts at 8 a.m.. The MLK Day at The Wright will be open from 9am to 5pm.
- Location: The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit.
- For more information: https://www.thewright.org/programs/mlk-day-wright
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Eastern Michigan University
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- Description: Eastern Michigan University dedicates an entire week to honor Dr. King through its “Driven By The Dream” program. The events kick off on January 15 with the MLK Jr. Walk to Freedom, followed by a student gallery opening, a President’s luncheon, and a book signing with Chief Judge Victoria Pratt from Newark Municipal Court. The week continues with daily panel discussions, presentations, and concludes with a movie night and discussion. The events take place at various locations within Eastern Michigan University.
- Dates: January 15 – 19 @ various times
- Location: Various locations at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti.
- For more information: Visit https://www.emich.edu/mlk
- U-M Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium
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- Description: Michelle Alexander, a renowned legal scholar, social justice advocate, columnist, and author of “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness,” will host the keynote event in honor of Dr. King. The symposium will also feature a performance by music guest BLKBOK. The event is free and open to the public, organized by the University of Michigan’s Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI).
- Date: January 15 @ 10 a.m. EST
- Location: Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor & Livestream
- For more information: Visit https://oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/
- “The Time Is Always Right To Do What Is Right” – MLK Service Day & Freedom Walk
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- Description: The cities of Royal Oak, Clawson, and Berkley are coming together for a joint Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. The day begins with a Freedom Walk from the MLK Statue to the Student Center at Royal Oak Middle School. Prior to the walk, the event committee will collect donations for various charitable organizations. After the walk, participants are invited to engage in service projects, including making blankets, sorting donations, and creating cards for first responders.
- Date: January 15 @ various times. Doors open to the ROMS auditorium at 8:30 am with a hot breakfast and activities. Presentation begins at 9:30 am
- Location: Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington, Royal Oak.
- For more information: https://www.romi.gov/998/MLK-Service-Day
- 21st Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March featuring Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
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- Description: Join the 21st Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic legacy (Jan. 15, 1929-April 4, 1968). Amid heightened struggles for labor rights and against imperialist war globally, this event, held at the Historic St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, features speakers like Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and UAW International President Shawn Fain. Co-chaired by Aurora Harris and Abayomi Azikiwe, the rally includes voices from Detroit, emphasizing the city’s rich history of activism. Acknowledging current labor strikes, the event also addresses antiwar sentiments, echoing Dr. King’s stance on Vietnam, and advocates for a society ensuring basic rights and equality.
- Date: January 15 noon – 3 p.m. EST
- Location: St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit.
- For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/21st-annual-detroit-mlk-day-rally-march-tickets-768733752347
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
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- Description: Special programming at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, including exhibits and performances. Celebrate the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with three days of programs, performances, and living history demonstrations from January 13-15 at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Admission and parking are free on January 15. The event coincides with the final weekend of the Mandela: The Official Exhibition. Notable features include the exhibit “With Liberty and Justice for All,” an original play on Rosa Parks’ boycott, musical performances, leadership connections tour, a selfie station, live performances of Dr. King’s speeches, and a film screening at the Giant Screen Experience. The celebration aims to reflect on justice, civil rights, and global inspiration.
- Date: January 13 – January 15 @ various times
- Location: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.
- For more information: Visit https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/martin-luther-king-day/
- 20th Annual MLK Fellowship Breakfast presented by the Macomb County Ministerial Alliance, featuring keynote speaker Bishop Edgar Vann
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- Description: Join the 20th Annual MLK Fellowship Breakfast hosted by the Macomb County Ministerial Alliance as they pay tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy. The event includes a delicious breakfast and captivating performances by liturgical dancer Tamilca McCombs and flautist Deblon Jackson. Bishop Edgar Vann will deliver the keynote address, and special guest Pastor Kevin Lancaster, the Alliance’s president, will also be present. Admission is $50.
- Date: January 15, starting at 9 a.m. EST
- Location: Penna’s of Sterling Heights, 38400 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights.
- For more information: Visit https://www.facebook.com/p/Macomb-County-Ministerial-Alliance-100070271610096/
- The 39th Annual Southfield MLK Peace Walk hosted by The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
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- Description: The 39th annual event featuring a peace walk and Taste Fest in Southfield., hosted by The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc., takes place in the first Michigan city to organize a Dr. King peace walk or march in January 1986. Commencing at 9 a.m. EST the event begins with a peace walk. Following the walk, participants gather at the Southfield Pavilion for a Taste Fest. Themed “Peace and Justice for the Next Generation,” this year’s event promises meaningful reflections.
- Date: January 15 @ 9 a.m. EST
- Location: Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, and Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield.
- For more information: Visit mlktaskforcemi.org.
- Too Hot to Handle – The Jazz-Gospel Messiah at the Detroit Opera House
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- Description: In tribute to MLK’s legacy, a distinctive jazz-gospel performance, “Too Hot to Handle – The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” will grace the stage at the Detroit Opera House. Making a comeback to Detroit after a four-year hiatus, the show offers a unique rendition of Handel’s “Messiah,” complete with a choir, orchestra, and soloists, echoing the profound message of Dr. King.
- Date: January 13 @ 7:30 p.m. EST
- Location: Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway Street, Detroit, MI 48226
- For more information: Visit https://detroitopera.org/season-schedule/too-hot-to-handel/
