How to celebrate MLK Day in Hampton Roads: Tributes, concerts and community cleanup
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Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 55 years ago in Memphis as he prepared for a march in support of garbage collectors seeking fair wages.
In a strange foreshadowing, two months to the day before his death, King gave a sermon in his hometown of Atlanta that concluded with what he hoped his own eulogy would include.
“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long,” he said.
“I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others.”
Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the national holiday that marks his birthday. Several Hampton Roads organizations are holding community service events and concerts in honor of King. Here are a few:
If you go
Andrew Shannon Feeding 5000 offering free to-go meals
When: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: New Beech Grove Baptist Church, 361 Beechmont Drive, Newport News
Hampton University: Celebrating the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Concert
When: 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: Robert C. Ogden auditorium,100 E. Queen Street
Cost: Free
Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert, featuring VSO’s Principal Guest Conductor, Thomas Wilkins, and bassist Victor Wooten
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Calvary Revival Church, 5833 Poplar Hall Drive, Norfolk
Cost: Free
MLK Jr. Day of Service Community Cleanup
When: 9 a.m. to noon Monday
Where: Barraud Park, Norfolk
mobilize.us/climateactioncampaign/event/546193/
Winter Blues Jazz Fest: Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King
When: 10 a.m. Monday
Where: The William & Mary Alumni House, 500 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg
Cost: Free
Urban League of Hampton Roads 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Event
When: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Monday
Where: Online only
Cost: Free
Details: ulhr.org
