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A guide to MLK Jr. Day events and activities around Metro Atlanta
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Atlanta
The King Center
The King Center is hosting several events to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Details can be found on the website.
- The Beloved Community virtual children’s book reading is Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. and noon.
- The Beloved Community Global Summit is Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Microsoft, 200 17th St., Atlanta. Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.
- The Beloved Community Empowerment Fair is Jan. 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The King Center offering programs on career development, financial literacy, and health and wellness resources.
Hands On Atlanta
Hands On Atlanta is leading 10 days of service through Jan. 20, featuring 400 volunteer projects to support more than 75 nonprofits and schools. Hands On Atlanta aims to engage 5,000 people in service, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through meaningful action and community impact. To volunteer, visit handsonatlanta.org/mlk.
Emory Law School
Emory University School of Law presents its 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture on Jan. 15 at 12:15 p.m. The theme for the free event is “The Injustice of Poverty: King’s Fight for Economic Equality.” This year’s keynote speaker will be Crystal McElrath from Southern Poverty Law Center. The event will be held at Emory Law School, Tull Auditorium, 1301 Clifton Road.
MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards
Rescheduled to Jan. 18 due to the weekend winter storm, the Beloved Community Awards recognize national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, pursue social justice. This year’s honorees include actor/singer Jennifer Lewis, student scientist Heman Bekele, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and the Latin American Association. The event will be held at at the Omni Hotel starting at 6 p.m. Get tickets here.
King Family Women’s Hat Exhibit
The Atlanta History Center, in collaboration with the Christine King Farris Legacy Foundation and members of the King Family, will debut the King Family Women’s Hat Exhibit, opening Jan. 18. The 17 hats on display explore the legacy of the African American church hat tradition through the lens of the influential women of the King family. Get more details here.
Soul Cinema Sundays
The Plaza Theatre will host the screening of The Last Black Man in San Francisco on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. The critically acclaimed film produced and directed by Joe Talbot, stars Danny Glover, Tichina Arnold, Mike Epps, Jonatan Majors, and Jimmie Fails. Monica Johnson, organizer with the Housing Justice League, will be in conversation with Kalonji Changa of Black Power Media, the event’s primary media sponsor, prior to the film’s screening, speaking about fair housing in Atlanta. Tickets and details here.
Ebenezer Baptist Church Commemorative Service
The annual commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Sweet Auburn is set for Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. with keynote speaker Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. Visit www.thekingcenter.org or stream the service on Fox5 Atlanta.
Annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Community Breakfast
The Southern Unity Movement hosts the 24th annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Community Breakfast on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland St. NE. The event honors the legacies of Bayard Rustin, a gay man who was a civil rights architect and one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest advisers, and lesbian feminist and poet Audre Lorde. Following the breakfast, attendees are invited to participate in the The King Day March & Rally.
The King Day March & Rally
The King Day March and Rally, led by the Interfaith Children’s Movement, starts at 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of John Portman Boulevard NW and Peachtree Street. The approximately 1 mile march ends at the King Center where a rally will begin at 3:30 p.m.
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Neighborhood Supper Club
The 2025 Neighborhood Supper Club pop-up series kicks off at Sweet Auburn BBQ in Poncey-Highland on Jan. 20 from 5-8 p.m. with Polish food pop-up Beksa Lala. Rough Draft named Beksa Lala “Best New Pop-Up” of 2024. The Polish Pierogi and Plates dinner will include a collaborative menu between Beksa Lala and Sweet Auburn BBQ. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The King Center in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of service.
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R&B Brunch After Dark
Kristina Webb and Saundae Rowe host this special event on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. at City Winery to honor Martin Luther King Jr. The event will feature live performances by Desmond Champion, K. Terry, and surprise guests. Tickets are available here.
'Dear Dr. King' at the Alliance Theatre
As part of the Alliance Theatre’s Palefsky Collision Project, a group of teenagers will perform the show Dear Dr. King on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Woodruff Arts Center. The performance is directed by Sam Provenzano in collaboration with playwright Maya Lawrence, Director of Artistic Mentorship Rodney L. Williams, and Music Director David Koté. Tickets are free, but attendees must still make reservations online to attend.
Brookhaven
Lynwood Trailblazers
Brookhaven’s ninth annual MLK Day dinner and celebration on Jan. 20 will be held at Lynwood Recreation Center, 3360 Osborne Road, a former school that was one of the first to be a part of the integration program in 1968. A tribute to the Lynwood Trailblazers, the event is welcoming keynote speaker and newscaster Monica Kaufman Pearson, live performances and special guests. Tickets cost $10. For information, call 404-637-0542.
Sandy Springs
MLK Jr. Day Family Events
Sandy Springs will celebrate “Martin Luther King Jr.: Life and Legacy” from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 20 with activities and a film at the Performing Arts Center’s Studio and Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way. The event is free and family-friendly.
Two screenings of Our Friend, Martin will be shown at 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The animated children’s film follows middle school friends who travel through time, meeting MLK at several points during his life. The film refers to historical events that might require explanations for younger viewers.
Activity stations in the Studio Theatre include themes like dream, justice, love, liberty and more. For more, visit the website.
Family Mitzvah Day
Jewish Family & Career Services’ first Family Mitzvah Day is being held at The Weber School. Families with kids ages 5-13 can build community while giving back, while high schoolers can earn community hours by helping to run the event. Cost: $36 per family. Click here to sign up.
Dunwoody
Dunwoody’s Day of Service
Dunwoody Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day with service projects, a community food drive, and blood drive. Sign up to volunteer on Jan. 20:
- Blood donations through LifeSouth Bloodmobile at Brook Run Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended.
- Plant 100 trees and 5,000 daffodils at Brook Run Park in coordination with Trees Atlanta and The Daffodil Project.
- Clean up parks at Dunwoody Community Garden and Orchard and Dunwoody Nature Center.
- Drop off non-perishable food donations for Malachi’s Storehouse from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Brook Run Park in the parking lot at the intersection of DeKalb Drive and Georgia Way South.
Family Volunteering at Davis Academy
Preschool-age children and their families are welcome to join The Davis Academy for a morning of social action, song, movement and a hands-on service project. Interfaith and multi-faith families are welcome. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and interfaith and Jewish organizations.
Tucker
Johns Homestead Park
Tucker is hosting its eighth Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Focusing on Johns Homestead Park, volunteers will clear trails in preparation for dam construction on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Teen Day of Service
Teens have a special opportunity to volunteer at Johns Homestead Park (details above) then head down to Ponce City Market and Eclipso Atlanta for fun! Registration for the Teen Day of Service and Fun is on the Tucker parks website.
Doraville
MLK Day 5K Drum Run
This 5K walk/run will take place entirely on New Peachtree Road with the gathering area at First Baptist Church of Doraville (across the street from the MARTA station). The USATF certified race course and Peachtree Road Race qualifier will have a 3.1 mile drumline all along the race course. Party starts at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. Register here.
This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.
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