Martin Luther King Jr. is an important American civil rights leader who is well-known for his campaigns and “I have a dream” speech. (Watch the speech on YouTube here).

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday to honor his life. Martin Luther King Jr. Day originally began with a campaign for his birthday to become a holiday to celebrate his accomplishment. It is held on the third Monday of January every year.
Here is a schedule of special events to honor this civil rights leader and to give local residents the opportunity to reach out to help those in need.

 

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event
Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Fri, January 15
Help us celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. The program includes a keynote address by Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York, and an on-stage discussion on the theme of “Looking Back, Moving Forward” with moderator Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of the D.C. Public Library system.
2016 MLK Tribute Event
Wakefield High School
Sun, January 17
Hosted by Jacquie Gales Webb (WHUR), Arlington’s 47th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrates the live and legacy of Dr. King through inspirational music, spoken word and dance performances.
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Strathmore
Sun, January 17
The percussive dance troupe puts on an electrifying show that unites music, dance, and storytelling to put forward an often overlooked aspect of American history.
10th Annual MLK Peace Walk & Parade
2500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE
Mon, January 18
Commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Peace Walk begins at 11 am, Parade starts at noon.
RCC MLK Keynote Address & Community Lunch
featuring Anna Deavere Smith
CenterStage
Mon, January 18
Anna Deavere Smith returns to present an informed and inspired conversation that celebrates Dr. King’s message and seeks to reconcile it in today’s context. The weekend concludes with a community lunch to celebrate the diversity, progress, and hope in our community.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Exhibit
Reston Community Center
Thru Sun, January 31
As part of the Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, children from Reston Elementary Schools have created artworks with themes that are centered on the history of Dr. King and the civil rights movement.