Looking to Celebrate Martin Luther King Day 2024? Here Are Five Inspiring Ideas.

Martin Luther King Day is an annual celebration of Dr. King’s immeasurable contributions.

Celebrated in the United States on the third Monday of January, the holiday is a time when the nation pauses to remember King’s life, work, and enduring legacy. This year, the holiday falls on Monday, January 15th. The day is meant to highlight remembrance and celebration while encouraging people to reflect on the principles of nonviolent social change and racial equality espoused by Dr. King.

In this article, we will recap the history of Martin Luther King Day and share some unique ideas for celebrating this important holiday.

How did Martin Luther King Day originate?

King was born on January 15, 1929. He rose to the forefront of the civil rights movement in 1955 after the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott that followed the arrest of Rosa Parks, an African American woman who had violated the city’s racial segregation ordinances when she refused to give her seat on a bus to a white passenger. King promoted the use of nonviolent means to bring an end to racial segregation in the United States. In 1964 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. Efforts to create a national holiday honoring King began soon after his assassination. although legislation for a federal holiday was not passed until 1983. The first nationwide observance of the holiday occurred in 1986.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Day 2024

This year, Martin Luther King Day will take place on Monday, January 15, 2024. Here are five fun and inspiring ways you can celebrate the holiday in the Baltimore area:

1.     Put on your running shoes.

Commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in the fourth annual "I Have a Dream" virtual race! Throughout January 2024, including the significant date of January 15th, you can take part in these fun virtual competitions. Choose from various distances, including 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, and 26.2, and complete the race at your convenience, from anywhere you prefer. Participation not only celebrates the incredible contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it also contributes to a meaningful cause. 15% of each registration fee will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), dedicated to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and safeguarding basic human rights for vulnerable individuals in American society. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-have-a-dream-1m-5k-10k-131-262-save-2-tickets-754425927257?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

2.     Attend a recital.

Join the Choir of St. David’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, January 14th for the annual Recital and Evensong for the Feast of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event begins at 4:30 pm with a recital by tenor Troy Koger, with the Service of Evensong following at 5:00 pm, featuring choral music by Undine Smith Moore and Tariq Al-Sabir. The event is free and open to the public. A suggested donation of $10-$20 directly benefits the musicians and the music series. Learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recital-evensong-for-the-feast-of-the-rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-tickets-711610304577?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

3.     Join a peace workshop.

Everyone can do something to create peace. HopeWorks, in partnership with the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Commission, presents the "I Can, I Will Create Peace" family-friendly event on Monday, January 15th. Participants will create art as they discuss ways that we can all create peace to inspire healing, equity, and transformation. This event is appropriate for ages 8+. All are welcome! Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-i-can-i-will-create-peace-martin-luther-king-jr-day-workshop-tickets-781789602747?aff=ebdssbdestsearch for more information.

4.     Watch a parade.

For the first time in five years, the Martin Luther King Day Parade is returning to Baltimore! The parade will start at noon on January 15th, beginning at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Eutaw Street. Participants will proceed south along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, before heading west and turning right on Baltimore Street, and ultimately separating between Fremont Avenue and Poppleton Street. The event is being organized jointly by the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture and the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. Read more at https://afro.com/baltimores-2023-mlk-day-parade-set-to-the-place-multiple-street-closures-announced/.

5.     Serve others.

Participate in the Benevolent Ministry's annual ‘Chili Bowl’ event on Monday, January 15th from 9 am to 3 pm. On this day, participants locate and serve hot bowls of chili to the homeless, pass out cold-weather gear and toiletries, and offer free health screenings. Sign up to bring a pot of chili, gender-specific personal hygiene kits, healthy snacks, or warm winter clothing, or volunteer to provide health screenings or serve food. If you are unable to attend, please donate to this event and help the homeless. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chili-bowl-monday-mlk-day-of-service-feed-clothe-our-homeless-neighbors-tickets-783466648837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch to learn more.

Martin Luther King Day recognizes Dr. King’s remarkable legacy of service while inspiring us to serve in our own ways. If you have questions or need additional celebration ideas, we are here for you. Please reach out to our caring staff anytime.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African-American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.