MLK Day 2024: Experience marches, rallies, panels and more
As the nation marks the 60th anniversary of the passing of the monumental Civil Rights Act of 1964, there is an added significance to the celebration of Civil Rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who helped make that reality happen. In honor of King, there will be marches, rallies, panel discussions, religious services and more on Monday, as well as the days leading up to it.
The annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March returns Monday for its 21st year, featuring a speech from UAW International President Shawn Fain, who made headlines this year during the record-breaking union strikes against Detroit's Big Three automakers. The march will also call for a policy to end the war in Gaza and include a speech from Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in the House of Representatives.
“This is an election year, and therefore people need to be involved in shaping what the country will look like over the next four years,” said Abayomi Azikiwe, the event’s media coordinator.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Historical Society (DHS) is presenting author Sharon Elizabeth Sexton at the Detroit Historical Museum. She will read from her new children’s book, “MLK Jr.’s Detroit Dream Memoir of a Civil Rights Foot Soldier.” The book recounts her experience attending the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom and describes the American Civil Rights movement from a child's perspective.
“Many of the stories in the Detroit Historical Museum document Detroit’s struggle to achieve the promise of the beloved community,” said DHS representative Sari Cicurel. “This event gives us an opportunity to connect with those stories and our own history.”
And next to the historical museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will start the day with a prayer breakfast and program featuring a keynote speech from Jeanelle Austin, executive director of the George Floyd Global Memorial, followed by a series of MLK-themed events throughout the museum.
Marline Martin, the museum’s director of learning and engagement, said MLK Day is an opportunity for people to rededicate themselves to continuing King’s work to fight for liberty, equality and justice.
“We hope the next generation will be inspired to dream of a better world and recognize that it is within their power to bring those dreams to fruition,” she said.
Below is a list of 2024 MLK Day events throughout the region:
Thursday, Jan. 11
“The Motor City and the Movement” Panel at Wayne State University
Wayne State University is hosting “The Motor City and the Movement,” a free panel discussion, as part of its "Annual Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." The panel will focus on Detroit and the Civil Rights Movement through music, art, religion, politics and the labor movement, concluding with a conversation about voting rights and the role activism plays in today’s culture. The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at the Industry Innovation Center at 461 Burroughs St., Detroit. www.govaffairs.wayne.edu/mlk2024.
Friday, Jan. 12
From Faith to Works Prayer Breakfast at Marygrove Conservancy
Black Leaders of Detroit is hosting its second annual From Faith to WorksPrayer Breakfast to kick off MLK weekend, where guests will unite in faith to honor the legacy of MLK. The event is from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at Marygrove Conservancy at 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit. Tickets are $20 with proceeds supporting the Black History Month Grant-A-Day Giveaway. www.blackleadersdetroit.org.
“Arts, Culture and Music of the Movement” Featuring Conversation with Civil Rights Activist Santita Jackson at Wayne State University
As part of its annual "Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," Wayne State University is presenting a program featuring a conversation with political analyst, radio and TV host and vocalist Santita Jackson, daughter of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. “Arts, Culture and Music of the Movement” will also include presentations, music and dance. The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. – noon at Hilberry Gateway, 4715 Cass Ave., Detroit. Visit www.govaffairs.wayne.edu/mlk2024.
Saturday, Jan. 13
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. at The Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum is hosting a three-day celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., which includes a series of musical performances, live recitations, guided tours and an original play, “The Beginnings of the Boycott.” The weekend also coincides with the closing of its “Mandela: The Official Exhibition” about anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Jan. 13-15 at The Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn. Museum tickets are $22.50 for kids, $27 for seniors and $30 for general admission. Visit www.thehenryford.org.
“Free at Last” Screening in Dearborn Heights
The Dearborn Heights Community and Cultural Relations Commission and the Dearborn Heights Libraries are presenting a free screening of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. documentary “Free at Last,” followed by a civic discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion. The event is from 2-4 p.m. at the Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St., Dearborn Heights.
Sunday, Jan. 14
Martin Luther King Jr. March and Rally in Farmington Hills
Nardin Park United Methodist Church is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. March and Rally at 1 p.m. with a lunch at the church and a conversation on race with Dr. Louis Forsythe of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, followed by a 1-kilometer march to Farmington City Hall and a prayer for peace. The church is at 29887 W. 11 Mile, Farmington Hills.
Learning about Greenfield Village’s new “Jackson House” at the Farmington Community Library
The Farmington Community Library is offering guests an opportunity to learn more about The Henry Ford’s latest acquisition, the Jackson House, for Greenfield Village. The Selma, Alabama-home served as a planning base for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders for the marches of 1965. The Henry Ford Curator of Black History Amber Mitchell will discuss the historical significance of the home and share photos. The event is free and will take place from 2-3 p.m. at the Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile, Farmington Hills, and will also be available via Zoom. Registration is required. Visit www.farmlib.org.
West Bloomfield School District's "United We Walk"
The school district is hosting its 30th annual "United We Walk" event from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at West Bloomfield Middle School, 6000 Orchard Lake Road. The event embraces King's dream of "creating a beloved community that values diversity, promotes unity, and underscores the worth of every person." Visit www.wbsd.org.
Monday, Jan. 15
Volunteering with MLK Service Day in Royal Oak
The cities and school districts of Royal Oak, Berkley and Clawson are hosting a joint communitywide day of service in honor of MLK at Royal Oak Middle School. Volunteers begin at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast and activities followed by a presentation at 9:30 a.m. and a freedom walk and donation drive at 10 a.m. Afterward, volunteers will return to the school to take part in projects like making blankets, cards and hygiene kits or sorting donations. Royal Oak Middle School is at 709 N. Washington, Royal Oak. Visit https://www.romi.gov/998/MLK-Service-Day.
MLK Day at the Wright Museum
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is celebrating MLK Day with its annual prayer breakfast featuring a keynote speech from Jeanelle Austin, executive director of the George Floyd Global Memorial. The museum will also be open to the public and include an MLK-themed virtual reality experience, workshops, scavenger hunt and a film screening and discussion of “Selma,” in addition to its exhibitions. The breakfast starts at 8 a.m., and the museum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets for the breakfast program are $40 and include admission to the museum. Museum tickets alone are $15. Visit www.thewright.org.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peace Walk in Southfield
The city of Southfield and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force will host the 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Peace Walk Celebration with this year’s theme, “Peace and Justice for the Next Generation.” The event begins with a peace walk at 9 a.m. from the Hope United Methodist Church (26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield), followed by a program at the Southfield Pavilion (26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield) at 11 a.m. The program features a keynote speech from Kamilia K. Landrum, executive director of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP, and performances. Visit www.mlktaskforcemi.org.
MLK Symposium at the University of Michigan Featuring Keynote from Michelle Alexander
The University of Michigan is offering a series of free MLK-themed events on Monday and the rest of the month. An event highlight is the Memorial Keynote Lecture “Transforming the Jangling Discords of Our Nation into a Beautiful Symphony” from legal scholar and social justice advocate Michelle Alexander at 10 a.m. at Hill Auditorium at 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/events.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA will be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for visitors to explore art, check out the African American Art collection and enjoy lunch in the Kresge Court featuring live music performed by Detroit musicians Wendell Harrison and Pamela Wise. Visit dia.org.
MLK Day Celebration with Author Sharon Elizabeth Sexton at the Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Society is presenting author Sharon Elizabeth Sexton during its MLK Day Celebration. Sexton will read from her new children’s book “MLK Jr.’s Detroit Dream Memoir of a Civil Rights Foot Soldier,” which recounts her experience attending the 1963 Detroit Walk to Freedom and describes the American Civil Rights movement from a child's perspective. Afterward children are invited to make their own signs and join a peace march throughout the museum. Participation is free with registration. The event is from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward, Detroit. Visit www.detroithistorical.org.
Mass for Justice and Peace at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament
The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament is hosting a "Mass for Justice and Peace," which includes a prayer dedicated to worldwide peace and justice in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. It will take place at 11 a.m. at the cathedral located at 9844 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Visit www.cathedral.aod.org.
21st Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March
The annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March returns for its 21st year to honor MLK's legacy. The event will feature speeches from UAW International President Shawn Fain and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, as well as community leaders and artists. The rally runs from noon – 3 p.m., starting at St. Matthew's-St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodard Ave. at Holbrook in Detroit. Visit www.mlkdetroit.org.
“Let Freedom Ring” MLK Birthday Celebration at the Fox Theatre
Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition is hosting “Let Freedom Ring,” a free public event in celebration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The evening will honor Big Sean, Judge Greg Mathis, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Amy Nederlander and Maha Freij, with special tributes to the late actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte and the late Rev. Charles G. Adams, former pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Fox Theatre at 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit. For details visit www.313presents.com.
Monroe County Community College Celebrates the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The public along with students, faculty and staff is invited to participate in a variety of events during the week of Jan. 15 -19 in celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. All of the events and activities are free and links to Zoom sessions and more information about in-person events can be found at www.monroeccc.edu/events.