The MLK Holiday offers an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy with music, speeches, community service, and more. Check out highlighted events in the Twin Cities and beyond. Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!
January 11
MLK Achieving the Dream Conference
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. @ Metropolitan State University, 700 E. 7th St., St. Paul
Celebrate the enduring influence of Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of discussions, speeches, and interactive workshops. Keynote speaker Dr. Yohuru Williams will explore the legacy of the 1963 March on Washington beyond Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” with a presentation from his book, “More than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” For more info, visit bit.ly/AchievingDreamConference
January 13
MLK Weekend – Faith in the Midst of Conflict: A Palestinian Perspective as An Israeli Citizen
9:30-11:30 a.m. @ Calvary Church, 2608 Blaisdell Ave. S., Mpls.
Marah Sarji, a Christian from Nazareth and Ph.D. student at Princeton Theological Seminary, will join a discussion about faith in the midst of conflict and offer experiences and perspectives, both personal and theological. A continental breakfast will be provided. RSVP to connect@calvarychurchmpls.org. For more info, visit bit.ly/FaithInConflictMLK
One Dream, One Minnesota Career Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m. @ St. Paul Armory, 600 Cedar St., St. Paul
This career fair serves as an opportunity to showcase the jobs and career paths available within Minnesota’s state government and reinforces the state’s commitment to fostering a thriving and dynamic workforce. Job seekers will be able to engage with state agency recruiters and subject matter experts. Classes on resume tips and career management will also be offered.
This event is open to the public. For more info, and to pre-register, visit bit.ly/MLKJobFair2024
MLK Solidarity March: Fighting for the Dream!
2-5 p.m. @ St. Paul Police Department, West District, 389 Hamline Ave., St. Paul
Community members will gather and demand justice in memory of Marcus Golden, who was shot and killed by St. Paul police in 2015. For more info, visit bit.ly/MLKSolidarityMarch
January 14
Annual MLK Holiday of Service: Our Origins Travel Onward
1:15-4:30 p.m. @ Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley
All are welcome to Sweet Potato Comfort Pie’s annual Martin Luther King celebration. This year’s theme is “Our Origins Travel Onward.” There will be a pie procession, presentations, awards, and facilitated conversations about racial justice among participants—all done in the spirit of Ubuntu to remind us that each of us is who we are because of our beloved community. This is a hybrid event. For more info and to register to attend virtually, visit bit.ly/SweetPotatoComfort2024.
43rd Annual U of M Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
3 p.m. @ Ted Mann Concert Hall, 432 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St. S.E., Mpls.
This year’s theme, “The March Continues,” builds on last year’s 60th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the partnership with the DREAM Initiative. Curated by U of M alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, the program blends King’s words with reflections and musical performances.
This year’s concert will also feature MARTIN, a life-size fabricated structure capped by a hand-cast 40 lb. bronze bell created by local artist Bill Jeter. The event is free and open to all. This concert will be live-streamed. For more info, visit diversity.umn.edu/MLKTribute.
MLK Comedy Showcase: MLK Weekend All Black Everything
7-8:30 p.m. @ CEO Hall, 905 S. 4th Ave., Mpls
Celebrate the MLK holiday with laughter at this showcase featuring local comedians. The evening will be hosted by K Jay the Comedian. For more info, visit bit.ly/MLKComedyShowcase.
January 15
2024 MLK Holiday Tribute Events in the Twin Ports
7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Various locations
The Duluth NAACP’s MLK celebrations return with in-person events throughout the MLK holiday. The festivities kick off with a community breakfast at 7 a.m., a brief local program, and a broadcast of UNCF’s MLK Holiday Breakfast keynote address. The breakfast takes place at First United Methodist Church, located at 230 E. Skyline Parkway in Duluth.
Following the march, a gathering will take place from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the Washington Center gym, located at 310 N. 1st Ave. W. (entrance between 3rd and 4th St. on 1st Ave. West). The celebration continues with a rally from 12-1:30 p.m. at DECC-Symphony Hall, located at 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth. These events are free. For more info, go to duluthnaacp.org/mlk.
2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast
7:30-9:30 a.m. @ Minneapolis Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A, 1301 2nd Ave. S., Mpls.
With the theme of “Leading Onward,” this annual breakfast benefits the UNCF Twin Cities to support local students of color to attend college and member HBCUs. The keynote speaker will be Marley Dias, an activist, author, contributor, cultural influencer, speaker, founder and producer known for her passionate advocacy for representation across mediums. Entertainment will be provided by Known and Nunnabove. For more info, visit www.mlkbreakfast.com.
Northeast Metro MLK Jr. Community Event
8-11 a.m. @ 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake
Following a live stream of the 34th Annual Twin Cities Dr. MLK Jr. Holiday Breakfast, a local program led by the students of the Black Student Union at White Bear Lake High School will take place. Students of the Black Multicultural Society at Century College will join them. This free program includes music, personal stories, poetry, skits, and a panel discussion led by Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt. For more info, visit bit.ly/NortheastMetroMLK2024.
St. Cloud University MLK Community Celebration
8:15-10:45 a.m. @ River’s Edge Convention Center, 10 4th Ave. South St. Cloud
The signature MLK Breakfast will commence at 8:15 a.m. at the River’s Edge Convention Center. A free breakfast will kick off the event, along with the announcement of the 2024 MLK Celebration Humanitarian Award/essay and art winners, live music, dance, community conversation and keynote address. For more info, visit bit.ly/StCloudMLK2024.
26th PPNA Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ Powderhorn Park Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S., Mpls.
The Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, in collaboration with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, will host this annual MLK, Jr. Celebration that is free and open to the community. Special guests include esteemed theater veteran Greta Oglesby, dancer and choreographer Zhané Jackson, Lane Brown, and community organizer, farmer, artist, and more. For more info, visit www.ppna.org/mlkcelebration.
KMOJ’s 11th Annual Soul Bowl
10 a.m.-4 p.m. @ Bowlero Brooklyn Park, 7545 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park
Come celebrate the King holiday by supporting KMOJ, “The People’s Station,” at the 11th Annual Soul Bowl. For more info, visit bit.ly/KMOJSoulBowl.
State of Minnesota presents the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration
10:30 a.m. @ The Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
The Council on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday invites Minnesotans of all ages to the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration events sponsored by U.S. Bank.
Hosted by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, in collaboration with Chief Equity Officer Dr. Stephanie Burrage, this free event features keynote speaker Caroline A. Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, and special guest entrepreneur Houston White Jr. The 2024 Champion of Change Award recipients will also be recognized. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with activities in the foyer. ASL interpreting and captioning services will be provided for the event. For more info, visit ordway.org/events/mlk-holiday-celebration.
2024 Bold Conversation with The Woke Coach Seena Hodges
12:30 p.m. | Virtual
Woke Coach Founder and CEO Seena Hodges will share key takeaways from her newly released book, “From Ally to Accomplice: How to Lead as a Fierce Antiracist.” In addition, Hodges will delve into topics like what it means to be an accomplice and antiracist; the importance of having a community-centered mindset as a volunteer; and seeking solutions and tangible actions to make an impact in the community. The keynote is meant to inspire growth, discussion, and facilitate group learning.
Twelve copies of Seena’s book will be raffled to event attendees. For more info, visit bit.ly/BoldWokeCoach.
4th Annual BBB MLK Black Youth Talent Showcase
3-5:30 p.m. @ Cub Foods, 701 West Broadway Ave., Mpls.
This event aims to provide space for youth to showcase their talents. Taking place in the Cub Northside community room, Black youth ages 8-22 who create original art, performance, or speech representing a Kwanzaa principle can earn $50 per principle. This free event also features an MLK discussion, food, and more. For more info, visit bit.ly/BBB4thShowcase.
MPRB Annual King Holiday Celebration
6:30-8 p.m. @ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rec Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.
This event, emceed by Chad Jackson of the Minnesota Twins, features keynote speaker Dr. Verna Cornelia Price, co-founder and president of The Power of People Leadership Institute, and musical group Nunnabove. KMOJ’s Walter “Q Bear” Banks, Jr. will receive this year’s Living the Dream Award. For more info, visit bit.ly/MPRBMLK.
January 18
MLK Service Event
11 a.m.-12 p.m. @ Minneapolis College, T.Plaza, 1501 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
With the MLK theme of “Safeguarding Beloved Community,” this event showcases scholarship winners of the oratorical contest. Following the awards, students are invited to participate in a service project that will result in donations to nearby organizations supporting people in need. This event is open to students, employees, and the community at large. For more info, visit minneapolis.edu/mlk.
January 24
Building CommUNITY Rising Voices
4:30-7:30 p.m. @ Founders Hall Reception Area, 387 Maria Ave., St. Paul
Two-time Midwest Emmy-award-winning journalist Georgia Fort will serve as the keynote speaker of this 5th Annual MLK celebration. This year’s theme is “A Call for Courageous Action to Advance Racial Equity.”
This free event has both in-person and virtual formats. Refreshments will be served. For more info, visit bit.ly/MLKCommUNITY.
January 25
MLK Presidential Breakfast
7-9 a.m.@ Metro State University, T.Plaza, 1501 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
This event features Minneapolis College President Sharon Pierce, keynote speaker James White, senior VP of operations for the UnitedHealth Group Equity and Innovation Center located in the YMCA of the North, and live music by the College’s Jazz Ensemble. The event is open to students, employees, and the community at large. For more info, visit minneapolis.edu/mlk.
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