“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others?” – Dr. Martin Luther King, JR.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. may not have been a Memphian, but he cared for those in this city as if he were.
Whether you use the day to reflect on the lessons he left us, or to support your city through service, MLK Day serves as a great day to commemorate his call to action. Here’s your ultimate guide to MLK Day in Memphis.
MLK Day Weekend ACTION opportunities with:
The Wolf River Restoration Series returns in 2024, kicking off with an MLK Day of Service! Join Wolf River Conservancy as they honor the holiday and work to improve parts of the Raleigh neighborhood near Wolf River Greenway.
Volunteers are needed to help restore and enhance our local Memphis community by expanding an unpaved trail, clearing streets of litter and debris, removing nonnative invasive plant species, and other on-site projects. Join in on this rewarding day of service!
Vitalant is hosting a special MLK Spirit of Service Blood Drive in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum on January 15th from 8AM-4PM in front of the museum.
As an added bonus, Donors will receive their choice of an MLK Spirit of Service T-Shirt or a “Front-of-the-line pass” for 2 to the National Civil Rights Museum.
Join MidtownMemphis.org for their MLK Day Service Project that will be in partnership with Huey’s Community Garden. They will be helping to prep the Community Garden for Spring Planting. The vegetables that are harvested in this garden are donated throughout the year. A great opportunity to help get a project started for great work that will be done all 2024.
Volunteer Memphis invites you to join them as they take to the city during their MLK Days of Service. From neighborhood cleanups all over Memphis to providing free health and wellness services, there are five full days of opportunities for you to “Care Like King.”
Make an Impact in Memphis Schools
MLK Day opportunities TO REFLECT:
The National Civil Rights Museum has planned a celebration that’s jam packed with meaningful moments.
In addition to free museum admission all day, this will begin a yearlong of observances entitled History Moves Us Forward, as the museum will focus on major Civil Rights anniversaries.
There will be performances by Gerald Richardson, the Overton High School Choir, and more—plus family activities, other entertainment and much more.
The Mid-South Food Bank will be on the scene collecting non-perishable items, and a Vitalant Blood Drive will be on site from to receive blood donations (Anyone donating blood will receive their choice of free admission for two people on any day in 2023 or a special MLK Spirit of Service T-Shirt)
Starting on Jan. 10, the Grizzlies have numerous events planned out including an Intersection of Race and Sports conversation on Jan 14 at the National Civil Rights Museum.
Of course, the main attraction of the MLK Celebration is the game vs. Golden State Warriors, with special halftime performances and other events on Jan. 15.
Also, on game day (Jan. 15) starting at 3:30 pm, MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies (MMG) will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Recruitment Fair during the game through the first half, recruiting mentors for their respective programs. For a full list of events and to purchase tickets to the MLK Day game, be sure to check out the link below.
Happening at Crosstown Concourse, Crosstown Arts will be continuing their Mahogany Chamber Music Festival with a special MLK Freedom Celebration celebrating unity in diversity. This concert in particular is inspired by the concerts curated by Coretta Scott King in the 1960s.
The concert will be led by grammy-nominated educator, Dr. Francis Cathlina, and grammy-nominated conductor-baritone Malcolm J. Merriweather. This concert will be an amazing opportunity to reflect through various musical gifts.
Looking for more ways to honor MLK day?
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