Martin Luther King Jr. is considered one of the most iconic Americans ever lived, and his contributions in religion and politics are timely and outmatched by anyone. He was a civil rights leader, and people of the modern times celebrates his martyrdom and honor his contributions through Martin Luther King Jr. day, which the Americans commemorates every 3rd week of January of each year.
But why is that Martin Luther King Jr. day is celebrated as a national holiday? It is so that all people celebrate both the life and the marvelous achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. especially in ending racial segregation and empowering racial equality in the country. Time and Date explains why the celebration of this man’s life and works is a public holiday in Baltimore and the entire country.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Public Holiday?
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.
Martin Luther King Day, also known as Martin Luther King’s birthday and Martin Luther King Jr Day, is combined with other days in different states. For example, it is combined with Civil Rights Day in Arizona and New Hampshire, while it is observed together with Human Rights Day in Idaho. It is also a day that is combined with Robert E. Lee’s birthday in some states. The day is known as Wyoming Equality Day in the state of Wyoming.
Public Life
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, but has slightly different names in some states. Non-essential Government departments are closed, as are many corporations. Some schools and colleges close but others stay open and teach their students about the life and work of Martin Luther King.
Small companies, such as grocery stores and restaurants tend to be open, although a growing number are choosing to close on this day. Some compensate by opening on Washington’s Birthday instead. Recent federal legislation encourages Americans to give some of their time on Martin Luther King Day as volunteers in citizen action groups. Public transit systems may or may not operate on their regular schedule. See full post here…
Martin Luther King Jr. is indeed an iconic figure throughout the country, especially in the Baltimore where a lot of people actually celebrates this day – and they’ve got lots of events in store for this day alone. Locals knew this very well for they are doing it every year, but for tourists, this experience is entirely new. They might be asking this question; How are we going to celebrate MLK Day?
Jake Smith of Baltimore Magazine posted an article discussing the ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day in Baltimore. It’s quite a long, but a very informative list.
Seven Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. left behind a towering legacy of hope and change. Whether you spend Monday, January 21, taking in a performance, introducing your kids to his work, or engaging with Baltimore’s cultural leaders, you can make a difference in honor of his birthday. Here are the best ways to celebrate Dr. King.
Annual MLK Memorial Breakfast
For 38 years now, the aptly named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast Committee has continued its namesake’s work with a local breakfast meant to activate and inspire its guests. This year’s theme is “Realizing the Dream: The Time is Now,” and keynote speaker Michelle Asha Cooper, president of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, will deliver an address advocating access to higher education for all students during the two-hour breakfast. La Fontaine Bleue, 7514 Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie. 8-10 a.m. $35.
Baltimore MLK Parade
Throw on a coat and scarf to enjoy Baltimore’s 19th annual spectacle in honor of the late civil rights leader. Kicking off at noon, the procession follows Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and features more than 70 participants with feel-good entertainment for all ages, including floats, marching bands, and dance squads. Even Mayor Catherine Pugh—despite last year’s controversy—will be joining the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. between Eutaw St. and Baltimore St. 12 p.m. Free.
Dare to Dream Day
The American Visionary Art Museum never misses an opportunity to put its own spin on beloved holidays, and next Monday’s extravaganza is no exception. Admission is completely free all day, including the museum’s many exhibitions and a special screening of a film about MLK in the second floor theater. Guests of all ages can create buttons that represent their own dreams starting at 10 a.m. followed by free birthday cake and drinks at noon. Stick around a bit longer to catch slam poetry and dance performances by Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women and Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.
I Have a Dream Weekend
Introduce your little ones to milestones in civil rights history at Port Discovery this Monday, when the museum opens its doors for a day of educational fun. Learn about Dr. King’s monumental legacy while creating birthday cards for him and joining in interactive stories about his legacy. Elsewhere, make a quilt square with the African-American Quilters of Baltimore and discover the history of Negro League baseball. Better yet, children from Northwood Elementary School will be dressed up as African-American historical figures, waiting to share their life stories. Port Discovery, 35 Market Pl. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free-$5.
MLK Day Celebration and Day of Service
Join the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for their annual day of service in honor of MLK. This day-long celebration offers a little something for everyone, including crafts for kids, a performance by Singing Sensations Youth Choir, a discussion with Dr. King’s barber, and a reading of the play The Mountaintop by Baltimore Center Stage. Between events and exhibits, take advantage of free onsite health screenings by Kaiser Permanente. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5.
Among the highlight event of this celebration is the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade, which will take place in the streets of Baltimore. This is a parade where over 70 groups and organizations joining to commemorate the life of MLK. Among the groups who’ll join include school and community bands, civic organizations and so much more. Jennifer of Baltimore on the Cheap posted more information on the parade.
19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Honor his legacy and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream for a better America with one of these 11 events around Baltimore between Thursday, January 17th and Monday, January 21st, 2019. Be sure to follow each link for the necessary details.
Image Source: Baltimore Office of Promotion and The Arts
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Where: Walters Art Museum – 600 N. Charles Street, Baltimore
When: January 17, 2019
Time: 5pm–8pm
Cost: Free
Celebrate the life and continuing legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with an oratory performance by Baltimore Urban Debate League, a choral concert by Joyful Noise Gospel Singers, and civic engagement with Synergy Baltimore. Attendees can also participate in art-making activities and stop by the free photo booth.
I Have a Dream Weekend
Where: Port Discovery Children’s Museum – 35 Market Place, Baltimore
Cost: $5 general admission (free for ages 2 and under)
Each year, Port Discovery celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream during the I Have A Dream Weekend celebration. The community comes to life over the three-day weekend with special performances, African-American living history presented by children from the Northwood Elementary School in Baltimore City, quilt making, and other arts and cultural activities.
MLK Memorial Breakfast
Where: Martin’s West – 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore
When: January 21, 2019
Time: 8am – 11am
Cost: $50 per person
The Kings Landing Women‘s Service Club is hosting its 44th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast. This event is Maryland’s oldest celebration of its kind on the east coast and was founded over four decades ago to celebrate the life and teachings of Dr. King.
38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Where: Southern Baptist Church — 2105 East Lafayette Avenue,Baltimore, MD 21213
When: January 21, 2019
Time: 8:30am – 1pm
Cost: Free
This year’s theme is “Realizing the Dream: The Time is Now”. Michelle Asha Cooper, president of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, will deliver the keynote address.
When it comes to celebrating MLK Day, the city of Baltimore has among the most spectacular celebrations throughout the country. The entire day’s schedule is very busy with different events for everyone. It’s a festive atmosphere with the parade, dream weekend, memorial breakfast and so much more.
