By Victoria Mejicanos
AFRO Staff Writer
vmejicanos@afro.com
Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations mark a time to honor the civil rights leader’s legacy with service and community building events. Whether it be the longstanding tradition or a new volunteer opportunity, the holiday offers something for everyone.
In Prince William County, Virginia, one longstanding tradition that predates the actual holiday by one year will continue to serve the community and educate youth about King’s legacy.
Deborah Campbell, a member of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. shared that their 41st annual oratory competition, an event first held in 1985, still resonates with the community decades later.
Campbell told the AFRO that the tradition helps children learn how to gain a deeper understanding of a variety of topics. Those who participate in the program often return to their communities and have other children participate.
“The principles that Dr. King stood for are still important and pertinent to us today,” said Campbell. “I think that for us to continue to move forward, sometimes we need to look back and appreciate where we’ve come and where we still need to go.”
The competition will take place on Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. inside of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, located in Triangle, Va. at 18410 Chapel St.
In Baltimore, change is on the horizon as leaders plan to host a citywide Day of Service on Jan. 19 in place of the parade that has marched down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard for decades.
“The City will partner with community organizations across Baltimore that are leading meaningful service projects,” said Linzy Jackson III, director for the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, in a statement sent to the AFRO. “This decision was made in part due to previous MLK Day parades being canceled or rescheduled for severe winter weather. January conditions—whether extreme cold, snow or ice—have consistently made it difficult to host large outdoor events safely.”
Instead, residents will be able to enjoy a Black History Month parade, which city leaders debuted last year.
“On Monday, February 16, we will hold a parade to celebrate Black History in Baltimore as part of our city’s Black History Month celebrations,” said Jackson. “With this change, weather conditions are more likely to be favorable for a safe, inclusive, and successful celebration.”
Whether you prefer peace walks and museum visits or prayer breakfasts, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia have plenty of offerings to reflect upon the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Take a look below to see what’s happening across the region:
Baltimore City
Artists have always been a force for change. Come witness performances from incredible voices featuring: Ray Winder, multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer and songwriter; Lady Brion, Maryland Poet Laureate and founder of The Black Arts District; and Davon Fleming, singer, songwriter and semi-finalist on “The Voice.”
Date: Jan. 17
Time: 3-4:30 p.m.
Location: Graham Auditorium, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free, registration required
Explore the exhibit honoring the work of Elizabeth Talford Scott, a contemporary fiber artist who created exemplary artwork throughout her lifetime.
Date: Jan. 19
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: American Visionary Art Museum,
800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
Cost: Free
Symphony in the City: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Concert
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is collaborating with the City of Baltimore and Mayor Brandon M. Scott to highlight music by prominent Black composers and features a powerful collaboration with the renowned Morgan State University Choir, culminating in Charles Dickerson’s “I Have A Dream,” a moving musical setting of Dr. King’s iconic speech. Pre-concert, a curated experience will be offered to honor the city’s day of service.
Date: Jan. 19
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall,
1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD 21201
Cost: Free
Washington, D.C.
MLK Holiday D.C. Prayer Breakfast
Join Bishop Mariann Budde and faith leaders from across the DMV for this historic annual gathering. Since 1977, Anacostia leaders have organized the official D.C. Prayer Breakfast to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and continue the struggle for justice. This year’s theme is “The Struggle is Real, The Fight is Still.”
Date: Jan. 17
Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, 3845 S. Capitol St. SW,
Washington, D.C. 20032
Cost: $50
The MLK Holiday D.C. Peace Walk and Parade is just one way to pay respects to the slain civil rights leader.
Date: Jan. 19
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther King Junior Avenue SE. Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free; registration is required for participation
Zenith Gallery Black History Month exhibition
The Zenith Gallery in D.C will debut their Black History Month exhibition featuring mixed media and artists whose work explores identity and cultural traditions.
Date: Jan. 23 – Feb. 28
Time: Wednesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m.
Location: 1429 Iris St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20012
Cost: Free
Prince George’s County
Art Exhibit: Luther Wright: American Dreaming
This exhibition explores the pursuit of the American Dream through the lens of the Black experience, examining hope, economic aspiration and systemic barriers tied to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of economic justice.
Date: Jan. 19- March 8
Special artist reception Jan. 29
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road
Hyattsville, Md. 20784
Cost: Free
Those who wish to work in the theme of service for the holiday can work with First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s Upper Marlboro campus to assemble care kits, serve meals in the community, pack groceries, serve homeless shelters and more
Time: varies
Date: Jan. 17-19
Location: 600 Watkins Park Drive
Upper Marlboro, Md. 20774
Cost: Free
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poetry Extravaganza
Join Collective Voices for an inspiring celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through poetry and uplifting messages, this event promotes service to the community while honoring Dr. King’s vision.
Date: Jan. 24
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Location: Surratts-Clinton Branch Library Auditorium 150
9400 Piscataway Road
Clinton, Md. 20735
Cost: Free
Virginia
A Celebration of Unity and Freedom in Song
A Celebration of Unity and Freedom in Song, featuring Minister Peggy Britt, Minister Early Bynum and The Norfolk Street Choir Project, will also include the unveiling of the Attucks Theatre historical marker and a Unity March with city leaders to the Martin Luther King Jr. monument.
Date: Jan. 19
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: 1010 Church St.,
Norfolk, Va. 23510
Cost: Free
Second Annual MLK Jr. Parade in Petersburg
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with this community parade featuring music, dance, and local talent as it travels from the MLK Bridge through historic downtown Petersburg.
Date: Jan. 19
Time: 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Location: MLK Bridge to Petersburg Library
Petersburg, Va. 23803
Cost: Free
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra offers another free evening of music that is inspired by King’s message of equity and unity.
Date: Jan. 18
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Sandler Center for the Performing Arts,
201 Market St., UNIT 204,
Virginia Beach, Va. 23462
Cost: Free, registration encouraged
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition and Program
The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its 41st annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition and Program. Middle school and high school students from throughout the Prince William County area will display their oratorical skills, and children of all ages will sing songs of celebration in the MLK Youth Community Choir.
Beginning in 1985, this free event is one of the oldest and largest celebrations of Dr. King’s legacy in the D.C. metro area. The topic for this year’s orators is “Awakening the Dream: Breaking Barriers in the Fight for Justice and Unity.”
Date: Jan. 19
Time: 11 a.m.
Location: Mt Zion Baptist Church
18410 Chapel Street
Triangle, VA 22172
Cost: Free