January 18, 2021
Since 1986, Americans have observed an annual holiday in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Occurring on the third Monday of January each year, the holiday falls around (and sometimes on) Dr. King’s birthday, January 15. It honors the civil rights leader’s nonviolent activism and inspirational words in protesting and changing racial discrimination in the U.S. In 2021, we will celebrate his life and legacy on Monday, Jan. 18.
Here are some events that are happening to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 2021. Since most are virtual, you may still be able to view the events that happened over the weekend:
- Compilation of events in Minneapolis:
https://www.minneapolis.org/calendar/holidays/martin-luther-king-jr-day/ - Activities for families: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/mlk-monday-events/
- Virtual event January 18, 6:30-7:30 pm https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/rev_dr_martin_luther_king_jr_celebration/
- Virtual celebration January 18, 2021 https://mn.gov/mdhr/mlk/
- National Day of Racial Healinghttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-national-day-of-racial-healing-tickets-131404786253?aff=Eblasts
- North Dakota State University – virtual even with author Ijeoma Oluo who wrote “She is the author of New York Times best-seller “So You Want to Talk About Race” https://www.ndsu.edu/news/view/detail/60931/
- Short performance of “Let us Break Bread Together” in honor of MLK: https://minnesotaorchestra.org/blog/635-honoring-dr-king?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021Weekly2021-01-12&utm_content=version_A
- (This was on Sunday afternoon: MLK Jr Tribute honoring John Lewis. Musical performances by U of M students…free but tix through Eventbrite): https://diversity.umn.edu/events/martin-luther-king-jr-tribute
- (Several options throughout the day Monday on this link…some hands-on such as art making videos, poetry prompts, performances, etc.): https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/celebrate-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day/
- Worship service on Monday from the church where MLK served as pastor in Montgomery, AL. https://www.dexterkingmemorial.org/event/the-46th-martin-luther-king-jr-birthday-celebration/
- Letter from a Birmingham jail—link to the letter in a doc to read or the letter being read by MLK https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/letter-birmingham-jail
Thanks to Grace Hospice for sharing some of the event details along with this quote:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Prayer for the day:
Gracious and loving God, you are merciful, faithful, loving and holy. Thank you for your servant, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who faithfully followed you and pursued justice for all. Thank you for all who work tirelessly to promote peace and racial healing, who strive to see King’s dreams fulfilled. Forgive us for injustice and the ways we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to be united in spirit and lead us in your ways of truth and righteousness. We pray for all who are suffering in body, mind or soul. Increase in us goodwill, lovingkindness, compassion and peace. May justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.
