For more than 30 years, the Martin Luther King holiday has celebrated the sacrifices and achievements of the countless men and women committed to righting history and creating a fair and justice society.
 
More than simply a federal holiday, organizers of MLK Day, observed on the third Monday in January since 1986, have sought for the day to expand awareness, create opportunities of service and community impact, and continue the work of education. From video projects to service efforts, we have compiled a non-exhaustive list of COVID-19 safe suggestions to help those looking for ways to celebrate MLK and his day of observance. 

Offerings at the Alliance

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from the comfort of your own home with family and friends. 

Young artists of the Alliance Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Palefsky Collision Project have reimagined their 2021 summer performance of What Makes You Think I’m Alone? A Meditation on Marvin. The project, inspired by Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” through the lens of letters to Dr. King, is directed by Patrick McColery in collaboration with playwright Pearl Cleage.  Watch Now

The Alliance has also made available the original animated short, Sit-in. Written by Atlanta’s bestselling author, playwright, and civil rights activist, Pearl Cleage (Blues for An Alabama Sky, In My Granny’s Garden, Tell Me My Dream), Sit-in invites students, parents, teachers, and families to experience the Civil Rights Movement as a living, breathing energy with practical lessons, ethical challenges, and moral choices that remain relevant today. Available for stream through May 31, Sit-in features a mixture of Civil Rights anthems and new freedom songs composed specifically for the play.

Community Offerings

Dope Pedalers Bike Club, an all-inclusive group of bicyclists committed to promoting health and wellness, is hosting their 7th annual MLK Day Ride! Participants are asked to arrive at 502 Pryor Street at 9 am and will convene with other groups at the King Center! 

From interactive storytelling with children’s author Mama Koku; spoken word performances from Emmy-nominated author, poet, and playwright Jon Goode; visual artist talkbacks and more, The National Center for Civil and Human Rights has a weekend of activities available starting Saturday, January 15 through Monday, January 17. Visit MLK Day 2022 for a full schedule of offerings, including the Center’s COVID-19 protocols.

Hands On Atlanta is also hosting their annual MLK Days of Service through a mix of virtual and “DIY” service opportunities from a letter writing webinar for teachers in Title 1 public schools, to beautification projects, to a volunteer meal pack at Ebenezer Baptist Church. A complete list of offerings is available at https://mlkatl.org.  

The King Center

And of course, the King Center has a full schedule of events planned to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, culminating in the annual MLK Ecumenical Service, Monday, January 17. The commemorative service, as well as a rally held in downtown Atlanta, will be broadcast live on Fox 5 Atlanta. Most will be streamed live at thekingcenter.org or on the King Center’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube page. Events include the Beloved Community Youth Global Summit and the Beloved Community Awards.