MLK Day 2023: 5 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis
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Observed the third Monday of January each year since 1986, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday has special significance in Memphis, the city that forever will carry the burden of being the place where the civil rights leader was murdered on April 4, 1968.
As the home of the National Civil Rights Museum — an institution that incorporates the "hallowed ground" of the Lorraine Motel where King was killed — the Bluff City makes wide-ranging efforts to celebrate King’s legacy.
Featuring a mix of civic-sponsored and grassroots community celebrations, including service efforts, symposiums, sporting events and other programming, this year will mark yet another opportunity to remember the spirit of King.
Here are five ways to celebrate MLK Day in Memphis.
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Volunteer Memphis' 2023 MLK Days of Service
Jan. 12-16
Volunteer Memphis' 2023 MLK Days of Service is a service event encouraging residents of Memphis to “Care Like King.” This year’s MLK Days of Service will take place Jan. 12-16, with a different focus each day. Starting with a kickoff event (Jan. 12), a Youth and Education Day (Jan. 13) will follow, before a focus on Health and Wellness (Jan. 14), a Service Sunday (Jan. 15) and a Community Cleanup (Jan. 16). For more information on how you can serve, go to volunteermemphis.org/mlk-days-of-service.
King Day: An All-Day Celebration
8 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 16; National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St., Memphis
The National Civil Rights Museum will present King Day: An All-Day Celebration on Jan. 16. Visitors can tour the museum for free from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., courtesy of FedEx.
A new exhibition, “Tarred Healing,” also opens, featuring the work of award-winning Black photographer Cornell Watson. The provocative collection of conceptual and documentary photography examines the intersections of racism, Confederate monuments, and the complex relationship between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, its students, and the surrounding Black community.
The museum is continuing its Day of Service partnerships with an annual blood drive with Vitalant to help with the critical blood shortage. Anyone donating blood will receive additional free museum admission for up to four people on any day in 2023.
As part of a food drive benefitting the Mid-South Food Bank, the museum is requesting guests bring canned goods and nonperishables to help feed the growing number of hungry families in the Mid-South.
There will be a full day of entertainment on The Main Stage, sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund, which will include performances by Karen Brown, Gerald Richardson, the Cordova High School Choir and the Satellite Band of Stax Music Academy.
The Pavilion, sponsored by Wells Fargo, will feature family activities and entertainment including magic shows, balloon making, face painting, African drumming, craft activities, music, community resources and more.
Museum members will receive express entry on King Day.
For more information, visit civilrightsmuseum.org/king-day.
The MLK Unity 5K Run/Walk
8 a.m. Jan. 16; Snowden Grove Park, 6450 Getwell Road, Southaven
Southaven's MLK Unity 5K event is presented in collaboration with the City of Southaven, the Southaven Mayor’s Office, Mayor’s Youth Council, Mayor of Walls, Mayor of Olive Branch, local churches and residents of DeSoto County. What started as a small walk has grown into an annual tradition and expanded into a 5K run/walk.
The event raises awareness and funds for the Precious Pearls Foundation. Proceeds will assist the foundation in providing scholarships to deserving students in the DeSoto County area, preventing birth defects and infant mortality, providing services to the elderly and supporting veterans. To register or for more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/MS/Southaven/AnnualMLKUnityRunWalk.
Race for Reconciliation
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 16; AutoZone Park, 198 Union Ave.
The second annual 5K Race for Reconciliation will be on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, starting at AutoZone Park. The race is a “community-focused event on MLK Day designed to showcase that the dream of unity is alive in Memphis… gathering of people from all walks of life sharing goodwill and love for their fellow neighbors… to walk, run, and make a difference.” Entry fees: 5K $45; 1-mile walk $45; virtual 5K or 1 mile $45; Team 5K $38; Team 1-mile walk $38.
Following the race, there will be a performance by Stax Music Academy, various kids' activities and food trucks. To register or for more information, visit raceforreconciliation.raceroster.com.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game
5 p.m. Jan. 16; FedExForum, 191 Beale St.
The Memphis Grizzlies, the National Civil Rights Museum, the City of Memphis and Shelby County will host the 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game. The MLK Celebration Game will pit the Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns with tip-off set for 5 p.m. Jan. 16 at FedExForum.
The Celebration Game concludes a collection of events honoring the legacy of King; annual events include the FedEx Service Project, Sports Legacy Award presentation, annual Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium, the National Civil Rights Museum panel, youth spoken word contest and Coaches Forum.
For information on all MLK Day Celebration Game events, visit nba.com/grizzlies/mlk.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: MLK Day in Memphis 2023: Events to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
