With so many incredible civic organizations and helping hands doing great work in Charm City, it’s easy to see Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in action all year long. But MLK Day is a specific time to reflect on the enduring power of one of our country’s most influential leaders. This year, make Jan. 20 more than just a day off by attending a lecture on Black history, celebrating with local artists and poets, giving back to the community, or checking out the city’s annual parade. Here are a handful of engaging activities and events to get involved in this weekend.
Jan 18: MLK Performances at The Walters
The Walters Art Museum is hosting an afternoon of special performances curated by poet and MICA professor Unique Robinson. Featuring poetry and music from Black Chakra, Esi Abercrombie, and The Storage Unit Collective, the event is a great opportunity to recognize local artists and engage in a time of listening and celebration. 600 N. Charles St. 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free.
Jan 18: Selma at the Enoch Pratt Free Library
Head over to the Waverly branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library for a teens-only afternoon showing of Selma, a biopic depicting the Selma to Montgomery marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. Stick around for a brief discussion after the film. 400 E 33rd St. 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Free
Jan 19-20: “A Celebration of Freedom” at the B&O
The B&O Railroad museum is hosting a full weekend of activities, including a lecture from Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr. about the life and legacy of former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The weekend will also feature a kid-friendly “I Have a Dream” educational activity and a tour of the exhibit From Slavery to Civil Rights. 901 West Pratt St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free museum admission on Jan. 19
Jan 20: Annual MLK Day of Service with Civic Works**
Every year, Civic Works hosts its MLK Day of Service as an opportunity for locals to give back to the community at large. Join more than 300 other volunteers across seven sites in volunteer activities like organizing warehouses, cleaning public spaces, gardening, and more. Various locations. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free
Jan 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Port Discovery
Looking for an educational activity to do with the kiddos on their day off? The Port Discovery Children’s Museum will be open for extended hours on MLK Day. Bring the little ones for a day of fun MLK activities led by the museum’s learning specialists. 35 Market Place. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities included with regular museum admission
Jan 20: AVAM “Dare to Dream” Day
Visit the American Visionary Art Museum for a whole day of educational activities celebrating Black culture and heritage. Perfect for the family, this annual event will feature an open mic and poetry slam, live music and dance performances, art workshops, and more. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Jan 20: King Day at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture is hosting a King Day discussion on the theme of “creative maladjustment,” featuring a panel of community leaders including Tykia Warden of the Greater Baltimore Urban League and Rev. Donte Hickman. Additionally, visitors can expect to learn about Civil Rights activist Walter P. Carter and enjoy live dance performances and holistic workshops. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
Jan 20: MLK Day Parade**
For more than 20 years, Baltimore has hosted an annual MLK Day Parade, bringing the city together in celebration and reflection of Dr. King’s principles. This year’s theme is Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers. Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson will lead the parade as the Grand Marshal as it fittingly travels down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. between Eutaw St. and Baltimore St. 12 p.m. Free.
**Event cancelled due to inclement weather