“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. inspired our nation with these famous words and countless other speeches. Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a variety of activities in Huntsville and the surrounding areas.
Martin Luther King Jr. Musical Tribute
Local choirs and musicians including the Oakwood Academy Chorus, the Aspire String Quartet, and vocal soloist Sandy Kinslow, will perform Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite spirituals. Oakwood University Provost Dr. Mervyn Warren will give a talk about King’s visit to Huntsville, and we will all listen to a rare version of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which he gave in Huntsville, prior to his famous oration in Washington D.C.
WHEN: Sunday, January 15, 2012
TIME: 3-5pm
WHERE: Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Main branch
Dr. Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast
This annual breakfast is one of the largest events in Alabama held to honor King. The breakfast is sponsored by the local Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Call 256-694-4791 for tickets.
WHEN:Â Monday, January 16, 2012
TIME: 8-9am
WHERE: Von Braun Center North Hall
Martin L. King Celebration & Services
Special program for a special person. Services beginning at 9:00 am.
WHEN: Monday, January 16, 2012
TIME: 9-11am
WHERE: Scottsboro Boys Museum & Cultural Center
Dr. King Said
Explore the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. through activities and lesson plans developed by the MLK, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia. Learn about his life and legacy, what it means to be famous by creating a timeline of his life, peaceful poetry writing, and constructing a peace dove mobile complete with famous quotes by MLK, Jr.
WHEN: Monday, January 16, 2012
TIME: 9:30-10:30am
WHERE: Huntsville Botanical Garden, Anderson Education Center Classroom
COST: Members $10, Non-members $20
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Here’s some activities in near by cities:
Birmingham January 16th Activities
Hands on Birmingham’s 12th annual MLK Day of Service
Over 35 projects take place around the city from clean-ups, socializing with the elderly, and more.
WHERE: Projects in locations across the city. Click here for more information
Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast
WHERE: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. Directions here.
TIME: 7:30am
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Free public admission all day. More information here.
WHERE: 520 16th Street North.
COST: Free
TIME: 9-5p.m.
Wreath laying ceremony at Dr. King’s statue
WHERE: Kelly Ingram Park. Directions here.
TIME: 10 a.m. Free.
Southern Christian Leadership Conferences Civil Rights Rally
WHERE: Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, 1530 6th Avenue North. Directions here.
TIME: 1pm
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’-Martin Luther King Jr.
Atlanta, GA: January 16th Activities
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Celebration
WHERE: Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive N.W., Atlanta
TIME: 10:30am
COST: Included with Museum entrance
Details here or 404-659-5437.
Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness
The Alliance Theatre presents two free readings of an original script by Atlanta author and playwright Pearl Cleage in collaboration with students in its high school Collision Project.
WHERE: Woodruff Arts Center’s Rich Auditorium, 1280 Peachtree St N.E., Atlanta
TIME: 1 and 3 p.m.
COST: Free.
Details here or 404-733-4749.
From King to Obama DuBois and Back Again: Reflections on Race, Nation and African American Internationalism.
An art exhibition by J.R. Phillips focusing on the artistic interactions between the African Diaspora and mainland China in the 20th and 21st centuries.
WHERE: Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta
COST: Free
Details here or 404-730-4001.
Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service
Keynote speaker is Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, Senior Pastor of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Open to the public (seating is limited).
WHERE: Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta.
TIME: 10 a.m.
Details here or 404-526-8911.
King Holiday March and Rally
The march is held on Auburn Avenue from Peachtree Street to Jackson Street. The rally is held on Auburn Avenue in the King National Park Area. The areas of concern are education, technology, medical, investment, transportation, housing environmental justice, job creation, conflict resolution, interfaith, cultural exchange, peace, justice and voter registration.
WHERE: Sweet Auburn District, Auburn Ave N.E., Atlanta.
TIME: 1:15 p.m.
Details here or 404-614-3233.
For more events in Atlanta click here.
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
