The Seattle area is host to some of the country’s biggest celebrations of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Plan to give back and do something good for your community, attend a celebration service, or take part in the MLK Jr. Day march and rally. Here are some of our favorite observances.
2013 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Thursday, January 17
12:00pm – 1:00pm
The 5th Avenue Theater
1308 5th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/mlk/archives/2013.aspx
Join King County for the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. This event is free and open to the public. Speakers at the celebration include keynote speaker King County Executive Dow Constantine and County Council Chair Larry Gossett. The celebration will include musical performances by The Sound of the Northwest, and opera soloist Cheryse McLeod Lewis, and the MLK Employee Singers.
Annual MLK Jr. Day of Service
Saturday, January 19
9:00am – 12:00pm
Cascade Middle School
11212 10th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98146
http://www.seattlechurchofchrist.org
Over the last five years, HOPE worldwide has partnered with the American Red Cross and local fire departments nationwide to mobilize 29,000 volunteers to educate more than 500,000 households about fire safety and prevention. 2013 HOPE worldwide MLK Day of Service Theme – “Protecting Our Neighbors”. The project this year focuses on neighborhoods in Seattle and Tacoma with recent high incidents of residential fires or statistically at-risk populations. Volunteers will promote practical and simple safety habits through canvassing the neighborhood distributing door hangers with fire prevention tips. Register online HERE.
7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Service
Sunday, January 20
2:30pm
Urban Grace Church
902 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.272.2184
http://www.urbangracetacoma.org
This event has been growing for seven years and brings together the best and most committed in the community. Come be reinvigorated and re-inspired to work for justice and peace in our lifetime. There will be a reception with music and opportunities for networking with social justice organizations immediately following the program.
Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast 2013
Monday, January 21
7:00am – 8:30am
Seattle First Presbyterian Church
1013 8th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
206.624.0644
Presented by: Allen A. Belton, Senior Partner, Reconciliation Ministries with Breakthrough Partners and The Beloved Community of the Puget Sound Area in cooperation with the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee. Cost: $15/person.
MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 21
8:00am
University of Washington Husky Union Building (HUB)
4001 East Stevens Way NE
Seattle, WA 98195
http://www.depts.washington.edu/leader/mlkday/
Martin Luther King, Jr. sought to forge the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. Join in this MLK Day of Service by gathering together at the Kick-Off in the University of Washington Husky Union Building from 8:00am – 9:00am before heading off to serve at one of the many service projects available throughout the community. The United Way of King County and University of Washington have partnered to coordinate MLK Day of Service projects with local nonprofit organizations that directly address needs all over King County. Everyone is welcome to attend the Kick Off and to register for a service project by clicking HERE.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring
Monday, January 21
8:00am – 1:00pm
Titlow Park
8425 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98465
http://www.ChipInForParks.com
Join with volunteers from University of Puget Sound and University of Washington in habitat restoration at two Tacoma parks, Titlow Park and Franklin Park (1201 S. Puget Sound Avenue). Give back to the community through a day of service!
Martin Luther King, Jr Day
Monday, January 21
10:00am – 5:00pm
Seattle Children’s Museum
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206.441.1768
http://www.thechildrensmuseum.org
“I have a dream….” Head to the museum today and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the heart of his “I have dream” speech.
Annual Rally & March
Monday, January 21, 2013
11:00am – 2:00pm
Garfield High School
400 23rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
206.296.1002
http://www.mlkseattle.org
All the MLK Jr Day events are free and open to the public. 9:30am-11:00am, workshops in Garfield High’s classrooms; 11:00am-12:30pm, rally in Garfield’s gym; 12:30pm, there will be a march from Garfield High to the Federal Building on 2nd Avenue. Once at the Federal Building there is a another brief rally. Buses will be availabe to transport people back to the Garfield. A free lunch will be provided in Garfield’s lunchroom. Call for details.
25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
Monday, January 21
11:00am – 1:00pm
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center
1550 Broadway
Tacoma, WA 98402
http://www.cityoftacoma.org
Dr. Clayborne Carson, executive director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, will be the keynote speaker. Also to be featured at the upcoming event is the photography of Bernard Kleina, who is widely considered to be one of the most respected advocates for fair housing in the United States. Please bring donations of non-perishable food for the MLK food drive. Free admission and free parking.
History in the Making: The 57th Presidential Inauguration Viewing at NAAM
Monday, January 21
Northwest African American Museum
2300 South Massachusetts Street
Seattle, WA 98144
206.518.6000
http://www.naamnw.org
Join NAAM on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to watch the 2013 inauguration of President Barack Obama NAAM is pleased to host this community gathering to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and usher in the second term of our first African American president. Free and open to the public.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Monday, January 21
3:00pm
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402
888.238.4373
http://www.washingtonhistory.org
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the History Museum presents a Book-It Repertory Theater performance of Never Forgotten, which traces the story of a young boy from Africa who is stolen by slave traders but carries the traditions of his homeland to the New World. This lyrical story – told in verse – highlights the importance of tradition and heritage, and the gift of family above all. FREE Museum Admission for ALL on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21, 2013.
MLK Jr Day of Service
Monday, January 21
http://www.volunteermatch.org
Want to find a volunteer opportunity for you and your family on MLK Jr. Day? Click HERE to locate a restoration project at a park near you.
