MLK Holiday Events Around Atlanta

Residents and visitors in Atlanta will come together to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of civil rights legend Martin Luther King, Jr.

Events taking place include:

MLK Day 5K – Let Freedom Run: Music starts, 8 a.m., 5k line up at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. $30. Piedmont Park, Atlanta. Corner of Monroe Dr. & 10th St. mlkday5k.com.

Georgia Tech MLK Celebration: Jan. 13–Jan. 28, 2016. See the full calendar of events www.diversity.gatech.edu/mlk-celebration-events. Civil Rights to Human Rights: The Courage to Lead. Georgia Institute of Technology will commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a full schedule of events organized by the Institute.  Events include educational programs and service opportunities by the campus and nearby communities. 

2016 Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner: Reception, 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. $250.00 up. Hyatt Regency Atlanta. 265 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta. Event details. According to the King Center website, “the Salute to Greatness Award , one of the King Center’s highest honors, is presented during the Annual Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner, to individuals and progressive organizations in recognition of outstanding efforts toward building Dr. King’s Beloved Community. “ This year's honorees include Howard G. Buffett, Chairman & CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and Roger Ferguson, president and CEO of TIAA-CREF.

Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, John Eaves, will provide the keynote address during the 10th annual MLK Day Community Celebration hosted by the City of Sandy Springs. The event will take place on Monday at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350. 

Morehouse College King Celebration: Dr. King's undergraduate alma mater hosts a variety of mostly free events from Jan. 17 through Jan 29. www.morehouse.edu/kingcollection/celebration.php.

MLK Run/Walk: Drummers line the course of the MLK Day 5K Drum Run, which is preceded by music and dancing and followed by a party at Piedmont Park.

MLK Museum Day: Admission is free at the Atlanta History Center & Centennial Olympic Games Museum (plus Margaret Mitchell House, where Gone with the Wind was written) in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

MLK Park Day: Enjoy Free Entrance Days in the National Parks, including Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

MLK Day Collision Performances: Come check out and see Teen Ensemble members perform for the MLK Day Collision Project Sunday,  2:30 p.m. in the Rich Auditorium and Monday, 11:00 a.m. and the 2:30 p.m. at National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

MLK Commemorative Services at Ebenezer Baptist Church: Free. (limited seating). Ebenezer Baptist Church. 101 Jackson Street, Atlanta. This year, Dr. William Barber, President of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and an NAACP National Board Member will be the keynote speaker. 10 a.m.

City of Kennesaw: Celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The free community event will be held on Sunday January 17 at 5:00 p.m. at Kennesaw Mountain High School.  The 6th Annual Celebration focuses on youth and will feature interpretive dance, mime, youth orators, a community choir, city officials and more.  As in years past, the Trailblazer Award will be given to young, local scholars. For more information please email mlkjrdaycelebrate@tbkministries.org or call Thankful Baptist Church of Kennesaw at (678) 797-0611.                                                                                                         

The 5th Annual Pittsburgh Community Neighborhood Day of Service Events: Honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pittman Park Recreation Center located at 950 Garibaldi Street, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30310 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Delta Airlines Presents: Hosea Helps' Annual MLK Dinner To Honor The Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  and other Unsung Hero's of the Civil Rights era.  The event will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

NAACP DeKalb County Branch 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade: Parade Participants should be at Green Pastures at 10:00 A.M. Parade Starts at 12:00 p.m. Green Pastures Christian Ministries 5455 Flat Shoals Parkway and end at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

10th annual MLK Day Community Celebration: Hosted by the City of Sandy Springs. The event will take place at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 500, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30350

"A Force More Powerful" Film Screening at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.  Free with general admission: Adult $15, senior, student, educator $13, kids (ages 7–12) $10, 6 and under free (two per adult admission). Center for Civil and Human Rights. 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta. 1 p.m.

MLK March & Rally: Free. March starts at Peachtree and Baker Streets. More details. 1:15 p.m. (assemble), 1:45 p.m. (march).

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration: $14.95. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. 275 Centennial Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. Childrensmuseumatlanta.org. The Museum will host three different events celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and National Holiday. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

MLK Day in Marietta: The Cobb Branch of the NAACP presents Pursuing Liberties in the Face of Injustice, with dance interpretations, dramatic readings, and musical performances to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., followed by a light reception at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Free.

MLK Day Craft Market: The Municipal Market also known as the Sweet Auburn Curb Market will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Stop by the Market on the Streetcar, as you make your way to the King Center.  If you're driving, parking is available at our Jessie Hill entrance.

NBA Basketball: Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic 5:00 p.m. Atlanta Hawks Collaborate with City of Atlanta and Fulton County Parks & Recreation to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Basketball and Educational Events During Two-Day Celebration. The Hawks will honor Dr. King with special performance by GRAMMY Award-winning singer Regina Belle, and an appearance by an all-star choir to sing a unique version of player introductions.

Black History Laser Tribute: Music from legendary singers (Louie Armstrong, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin) plus a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Fernbank Science Center.

 

Volunteer Opportunities:

Hands On Atlanta: Hands on Atlanta is providing many opportunities for volunteers. Participating organizations include Keep North Fulton Beautiful, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP), Habitat for Humanity, Trees Atlanta, and local elementary schools. handsonatlanta.org

MLK Day of Service at Georgia Tech: 7:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 18, 2016. Free. Georgia Tech. 350 Ferst Drive, Student Center, Atlanta. Registration details can be found at leadandengage.gatech.edu. Georgia Tech’s sixth annual MLK Day of Service is a campus-wide initiative honoring Dr. King. Participants will serve in teams and engage with metro Atlanta community partners. Registration details can be found at leadandengage.gatech.edu

MLK Service Projects at Georgia State University - Free. Various locations. service.gsu.edu/calendar/, or Jennifer Bodnar, 404-413-1552. Events include a GSU campus cleanup, helping job seekers with their resume, tutoring at Big Bethel AME Church, and volunteering at the King Center.

Decatur MLK Service Project: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Various locations in Decatur's Oakhurst neighborhood. The City of Decatur hosts the 14th annual service project, which includes home repairs and yard work for Decatur senior citizens. Volunteers meet at the Solarium at the Community Center of South Decatur. Project details.

MLK Day of Community Service - Douglas County Senior Center - 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Douglas County Senior Center. 6287 Fairburn Road, Douglasville. Project details.