Martin Luther King Jr. Day

World House: The Vision of MLK, Jr.

January 8, 9 10th, 2021
Various Times

Peace is an attribute that we all want in our lives and for our global family. How then do we bring this quality forward in a meaningful and sustainable way? Using the wisdom we find in Martin Luther King Jr.’s profound writing, we will look at the three areas in which there must be a radical change: poverty, racism, and war. Grounded in Unity principle, we will discover where these three beliefs exist in ourselves, in our personal relationships, and in our world. Through reading, discussions, and practices, we will find together the means of awakening and living from peace.

The 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert

January 17th, 2021
3:00pm

As this event enters its fourth decade, we honor the legacy of Representative John Lewis, towering figure of the civil rights movement and member of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inner circle. The program, hosted and curated by U of M alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, celebrates 40 years of being in community and imagines an excellent way forward. Don’t miss this special virtual tribute intermixing the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Lewis with musical performances from U of M students and the greater Twin Cities community.

31st Annual MLK Breakfast

January 18th, 2021
8:30am

Join virtually for a conversation with Dr. Bernice King and Ambassador Andrew Young moderated by Dr. Michael L. Lomax. This year's theme is OUR RISING VOICES: A Call for Bold Social Action.

Proceed raised for this event will benefit UNCF Twin Cities MLK Legacy Scholarship Fund helping local students go to and through college.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

January 18th, 2021
10:00am-12:00pm

You're invited to the 23rd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration! Join us for a 2-hour virtual showcase of visual and performing artists. Free and fun for all ages! The celebration will take place on Zoom and be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube. We will center the 92 years that Dr. King's life and legacy continue to create lasting ripples around the globe through our 92 Strong campaign.

Volunteerism: A Bold Conversation

January 18, 2021
1:00-2:00pm

Join Hands on Twin Cities for a bold conversation on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to discuss ways volunteering can be an effective tool for creating an equitable community.

The panel will be moderated by Seena Hodges, Founder and CEO of The Woke Coach. The panelists will include Jonathan Palmer, Executive Director of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Laverne McCartney Knighton, Area Development Director for UNCF, and Nadege Souvenir, Senior Vice President of Operations & Learning for the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

MNHS BLack History, Black Voices: ​Acting on Dr. King's Call

January 18th, 2021
4:30-5:30pm

How does Dr. King’s message regarding “creative maladjustment” relate to generations of institutional racism faced by African Americans? Three local leaders explore how Black Minnesotans have refused to normalize injustice and inequality and are responding today with action, innovation, and persistence.

(Virtual) Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

January 18th, 2021
6:30-7:30pm

Join us for our annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations, a tribute to Dr. King’s life and legacy featuring keynote speakers, live entertainment, and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award at MLK Recreation Center.

1 City, 2 Realities

January 18 - 22, 2021

Minneapolis has long thrived on the reputation of being one of the "Best Places To Live" in the country, while at the same time, has one of the largest racial inequality gaps in the nation.Through photos, videos, audio clips, and data visualizations, this virtual exhibition highlights this reality to help us get past "Minnesota Nice" and into the place where we can address the systemic inequality in our community head-on.

Purchase a ticket and you will receive access to the virtual reality exhibition from January 18 - January 21 to explore it as many times as you want. We will be hosting debriefs and conversations each day during MLK week to discuss the exhibition.

MNHS BLack History, Black Voices: HBCU Legacy of Leadership

January 19, 2021
4:30-5:30pm

From Dr. King to Kamala Harris, Historically Black Colleges and Universities produce Black American leaders and legends that advance our society. HBCU graduates Justin Tanner, Keisha Murray, and Mercedes Henderson Clark will explore the origin story of HBCUs, how they are critical to the health of our communities, and how local civil rights leaders like Roy Wilkins and Marvel Cook advocated for HBCUs in the North.

MNHS BLack History, Black Voices: Staying in the Fight

January 21, 2021
4:30-5:30pm

Representative John Lewis, a civil rights activist who fought alongside Dr. King, called on all Americans to get in the fight and stay in the fight. Join Sondra Samuels and other influential Black leaders as they discuss their groundbreaking work: delivering innovative solutions all the while challenging activists and allies alike to get in and stay in the fight for racial equity.

Upholding Beloved Community

January 21 2021
11:30am-1:00pm & 3:00-4:00pm

Join Minneapolis College, online, to celebrate the work of the great Martin Luther King, Jr. To reflect on King’s life-long dedication to equality and the mid-century civil rights movement he led, this virtual event features Minneapolis College President Sharon Pierce and Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. It also showcases winning scholarship entries from 5 students’ essays on King’s work and how it paved the way for overcoming today’s barriers to equity and justice. It connects youth from various communities with the ideologies of this incredible leader whose work is equally as relevant today as it was during the peak of the movement he led.

The event will also include an unveiling of Minneapolis College's Bridging the Equity Gap Initiative, a showcase reading and closing reflection by award-winning poet and author, Claudia Rankine, including a short reading from her book, Just Us: An American Conversation.

The virtual Town Hall Meeting will focus on social justice and racial healing. The conversation, facilitated by Rankine and Pierce, will reflect on a video presentation and reading on Rankine’s work. The event will conclude with questions from attendees.