Opportunities to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The third Monday of January each year marks the day we honor the life, mission and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

People choose to commemorate this holiday in different ways — for some it’s an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of this civil rights and social activist leader. For many, it is also a time to focus on giving back to one’s community. In fact, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on Monday, Jan 16., is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there are events and service projects taking place across our communities throughout the month of January. Find an event near you.

Olympia and Thurston County

• South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia is hosting social justice activist Mary Frances Berry, PhD. The lecture, titled “Making Diversity & Inclusion Effective,” will be held Friday, Jan. 13, at 7:30pm at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts. Tickets are required for those who are not SPSCC students, staff or faculty. Visit the Sound Puget Sound Community College website to buy tickets
• The Thurston Conservation District is hosting a day of service Saturday, Jan. 14, 10am-1pm. Participants will work together to plant native trees and shrubs along the Deschutes River in Tumwater, creating a healthier habitat for wildlife and the community. Visit the Thurston Conservation District website to register for this event
• The Capital Land Trust is inviting people to a day of service on Monday, Jan. 16, 10am-2pm. Volunteers will assist with a cleanup project at Bayshore Preserve in Shelton and go for a walk to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Register for this event on the Capitol Land Trust website
• Children can honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with art activities and collaborative projects on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Hands On Children’s Museum. Make a reservation at the Hands on Children’s Museum website
• The city of Olympia and other partners are hosting a service project for all ages at Squaxin Park on Saturday, Jan. 14, 10am-1pm. Volunteers will be restoring habitats and improving trail services. Visit the Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation website to learn more

Seattle and King County

• King County is holding a virtual celebration on Thursday, Jan. 12, 12-1pm. This year’s event, themed “Truth, Light and Hope,” will feature a variety of speakers and performers. Access the livestream and view the event program on the King County website
• The Seattle MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition will hold a rally and march on Monday, Jan. 16, at Garfield High School, starting at 11am. The coalition is also hosting a series of other events in January, including virtual and in-person workshops, a job fair and youth-led programming. Learn more about the rally and other events on the coalition’s website
• The United Way of King County is holding a day of service on Monday, Jan. 16, with some service opportunities available on other dates in January. Participants can pick from a variety of projects designed for individuals as well as groups. View projects on the United Way of King County website
• Seattle Colleges is presenting its 50th Annual Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday, Jan. 13, at South Seattle College. Participants must RSVP to attend in person; however, the event will also be livestreamed from 10:30am-12:30pm. See the event agenda and RSVP through the Seattle Colleges website
• The organization City Year Seattle, a partner of Seattle Public Schools, is holding a day of service on Monday, Jan. 16, 9am-1pm for all ages at Highland Park Elementary School. In addition to service activities, there will be a keynote speaker and other programming. Register for the event on the City Year website

Spokane

• The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will host a celebration on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 3-5pm at the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. A unity rally, march and resource fair will be held Monday, Jan. 16, starting at 10am at the Spokane Convention Center. For more information, contact the center at 509-868-0856 or visit their Facebook page.
• The United Way of Spokane County offers a number of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.

Tacoma and Pierce County

• The Washington State Historical Society will hold theater performances on Monday, Jan. 16, that celebrate Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. These free performances will be held at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; all ages are welcome. More details on the Washington State Historical Society website
• The city of Tacoma will be holding its annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in person on Monday, Jan. 16, at 11am at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. The event will also be broadcast live on TV Tacoma and Facebook. This year’s theme is “And We Rise,” exploring the impact of Dr. King’s legacy, featuring local performers and speakers and honoring award recipients. Learn more on the City of Tacoma website
• The city of Lakewood will celebrate the life and works of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. by releasing an annual video. This year’s theme is “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” Access the video on the City of Lakewood website
• In partnership with other local organizations, the Tacoma campus of The Evergreen State College is hosting its 17th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebratory event on Sunday, Jan. 15, from 2-5pm. The theme of this year’s event is “Calling in the Beloved Community
• Point Defiance Park in Tacoma is hosting a day of service Monday, Jan 16, 9am-1pm. Volunteers will remove invasive Scotch broom and other unwanted weeds to support native plant growth. Register for this event by visiting the Tacoma Parks website

In addition to attending one of the above events, you can visit one of the 140 state parks in Washington for free on Monday, Jan. 16.

Can’t attend an event? Learn more about the life and achievements of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by visiting The King Center. Established by Coretta Scott King in 1968, the King Center provides education and training opportunities, classroom resources and more.