Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 16, and people nationwide will commemorate the federal holiday that honors the renowned civil rights activist—and Washington, D.C. is no different! Across the District, Washingtonians and institutions will honor King and his legacy in D.C., where a memorial stands in his honor and where he made his legendary “I have a dream…” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. To help you commemorate the day, we’ve rounded up ways you can honor the day around D.C.
1. Take part in the 16th Annual MLK Holiday D.C. Peace Walk & Parade
The peace rally kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at the R.I.S.E. Center at St. Elizabeth’s and the walk begins at 10 a.m. at Shepherd Park, culminating in a wellness fair held from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. at 2006 MLK Ave. SE. Learn more here.
2. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Situated along the Tidal Basin and sculpted from granite, King’s is the first memorial that honors an African American person along the entire National Mall. You can walk around his memorial and read more than 10 quotations from some of King’s most renowned speeches inscribed along the sculpture and its walls.
3. Attend the Community Event at the National Museum of African American History & Culture
In commemoration of the day, the museum will be hosting a community event, “The People’s Holiday,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which will include music by Rex Carnegie, a culinary station featuring King’s favorite foods, a service project, and much more! Learn more here.
4. Offer your service and volunteer at the MLK Day of Service at Anacostia Park
King was well-known for his acts of service and helping others, making volunteering a great way to honor him and his day! The National Park Service and the Student Conservation Association will be hosting a day of service at Anacostia Park. Beginning at 9 a.m., volunteers can help clean up the community park! Learn more here.