Downtown Atlanta will be the center of Georgia events marking the King Holiday. Observed this year on Monday, Jan. 20, the holiday marks what would have been the 85th birthday for minister and civil rights advocate Martin Luther King Jr. Annual events marking the holiday include the "Salute to Greatness" dinner on Saturday, Jan. 18, a memorial service Monday Jan. 20 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, followed by a march and parade from Peachtree Street to the federal King Historic District on Auburn Avenue. What follows is a calendar of events relating to the holiday.
2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Friday, January 10, 2014 – Monday, January 20, 2014
MAJOR EVENTS
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project. All Day, Monday, January 20 FREE Open to the Public
The MLK, Jr. Day of Service, sponsored by Hands On Atlanta, is an opportunity for ordinary citizens can make a difference in the world. It is scheduled to take place on throughout the day Monday, January 20th with diverse community service projects throughout Atlanta in honor of Dr. King. For more information contact: Hands On Atlanta at (404) 979- 2800 or www.handsonatlanta.org. Read more about the MLK Day of Service.
Online, ongoing: The Choose Nonviolence: 100 Days of Nonviolence Campaign will include daily quotes activities, action steps, questions to encourage dialog around nonviolence. This component will be offered online and through social media. For information, visit www.thekingcenter.org
Saturday, January 18: The Annual "Salute to Greatness" Awards Dinner, Hyatt Regency Hotel. Reception 6 p.m.
Monday, January 20, all day: Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home Tours. Tours are conducted by the National Park Service.
Monday, January 20, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service. 10 a.m., Ebenezer Baptist Church – Horizon Sanctuary, 407 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, GA. Free Open to the Public (Limited Seating). The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service is the spiritual hallmark of the King Holiday Observance Week. The church service is held on the Federal Holiday at Ebenezer Baptist Church located near The King Center. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Raphael Warnock, Senior Pastor Ebenezer Church. The service is an ecumenical endeavor, engaging members of various religious traditions, and state national and international governments.
Monday, January 20, 1:45-4:00 p.m. King Week Holiday March & Rally. March will began at Peachtree Street at Baker Street (Xernona Clayton Way). It will end with a rally on Auburn Avenue in the King National Park Area. The areas of concern are education, technology, medical, investment, transportation, housing environmental justice, job creation, conflict resolution, interfaith, cultural exchange, peace, justice, and voter registration.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. KING
The AJC has a special section about Martin Luther King Jr. with historic video, audio and articles about King and the holiday that honors him.
RELATED: 2013 Coverage of the March on Washington's 50th anniversary
PLACES TO GO
Civil rights landmarks in Atlanta that you can visit: Photos and story by the AJC's Howard Pousner.
EXPANDED EVENTS CALENDAR
Wednesday, January 15
The State of Nonviolence: From Chaos to Community (A Dialogue on Human Trafficking).
6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday January 15
Ebenezer, Horizon Sanctuary
FREE and Open to the Public
A dialogue will be shared between the public and a panel of individuals related to the issue of human trafficking from local, national, and international perspectives. The discussion will include information on the problems, best practices and possible solutions.
Moderator - Mo Ivory. Panelist Include: Alveda King, Susan Coppedge, Mary Frances Bowley, Rachel Lloyd, Sheryl DeLuca Johnson, Neil Irvin
Web Based Campaign: Launch of 100 Days of Nonviolence
The Choose Nonviolence: 100 Days of Nonviolence Campaign will include daily quotes activities, action steps, questions to encourage dialog around nonviolence. This component will be offered online and through social media. For information, visit www.thekingcenter.org
Choose Nonviolence: NOW! No Other Way!
K-12 Student Visit with King Family at King Center Site
Free and Open to K-12th grade students and chaperones. Registration required.
10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Wednesday January 15 (Repeats on Thursday, January 16)
Freedom Hall Auditorium, The King Center
This program will enable students an opportunity to learn first-hand from the King/Farris family about Dr. King. Students will be challenged to “Choose Nonviolence” and given practical steps of actions they can implement to make a difference in their lives, their families and communities. Each day will feature different members of the King and Farris Family.
For more information contact: Barbara Harrison, 404.526.8911 or programs@thekingcenter.org
Thursday, January 16
Choose Nonviolence: Nonviolence or Nonexistence Discussion
11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 16
Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy Auditorium
Registration required. Limited Seating.
6th – 12th grade students will participate in a discussion on various types of violence and action steps they can take to Choose Nonviolence in their lives daily. Panelists will include veterans and young leaders making strides in communities around the country.
For more information contact: Roshunda Silas, 678.526.8980, 2014KHO@thekingcenter.org
Friday, January 17
Choose Nonviolence: Public Policy and Personal Responsibility (Collegiate Initiative)
1:00-4:00 p.m. Friday, January 17
Morehouse College, Ray Charles Performing Arts Center, Limited Seating
College students from throughout metro Atlanta and the country will be invited to engage in a moderated discussion on the implications of nonviolence in their communities and what they may do to make a difference. Students will next engage in facilitated break-out discussions on ways to work towards nonviolence on and off campus.
Confirmed Panelists
Rev. Willie Bolden, Senior Pastor, Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church
Sofia Campos, Board Chair, United We Dream (UWD)
Doris Crenshaw, Senior Advisor SPHERE
Kendra King, Associate Professor of Politics at Oglethorpe University and the Director of the Rich Foundation Urban Program
David Poms, Education Programs Manager at Capital Area Food Bank
Malika Redmond, Executive Director SPARK
Sarah Thompson
John Hope Bryant, Operation HOPE Founder
Saturday, January 18
The Annual “Salute to Greatness” Awards Dinner, Hyatt Regency Hotel. Reception 6 p.m.
Ticketed Event Corporate Table $5,000 Patron Table $3,500 Ticket $250
Co-Chairs: Laura Turner, Rutherford Seydel & Lisa Borders
Dinner EMCEE: Dawnn Lewis and Malcolm- Jamal Warner
The Annual Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner is the King Center’s primary fundraising initiative. One of the Center’s highest honors, the Salute to Greatness Award is presented at the Dinner to recognize national and/or international individuals and corporations that exemplify excellence in their leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
STG Award Individual Honoree: Muhammad Ali
STG Award Corporate Honoree: Xerox Corporation
The King Center’s 2nd Annual Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. (Advancing Nonviolence through Generations of Exceptional Leadership) Awards will be given during the Dinner. The awards are given in honor of and in keeping with the spirit of Coretta Scott King. An award is given to recognize a youth or young adult (ages 12-25) and a youth organization/initiative that exemplifies exceptional leadership in the areas of peace, social justice and nonviolent social change.
Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award: Khalida Brohi
Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award Youth Initiative: One Billion Rising Campaign & Ms. Eve Ensler
Monday, January 20
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church – Horizon Sanctuary, 407 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, GA
Free Open to the Public (Limited Seating)
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service is the spiritual hallmark of the King Holiday Observance Week. The church service is held on the Federal Holiday at Ebenezer Baptist Church located near The King Center. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Raphael Warnock, Senior Pastor Ebenezer Church. The service is an ecumenical endeavor, engaging members of various religious traditions, and state national and international governments.
Throughout the Day, January 20
RINGING OF BELLS FOR PEACE
“Let Freedom Ring! Choose Nonviolence!”
Organizations and individuals from throughout the world are being encouraged to incorporate the ringing of a bell or bells as part of their King Holiday Observance and as a means of showing their commitment to choosing nonviolence and peace in 2014. More information concerning this initiative will soon be available on The King Center’s website.
All Day FREE Open to the Public
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project
The MLK, Jr. Day of Service, sponsored by Hands On Atlanta, is an opportunity for ordinary citizens can make a difference in the world. It is scheduled to take place on throughout the day Monday, January 20th with diverse community service projects throughout Atlanta in honor of Dr. King.
For more information contact: Hands On Atlanta at (404) 979- 2800 or www.handsonatlanta.org.
The King Holiday Observance Partner Events
Ongoing
The Martin Luther King Poster Contest: Children will create an original poster depicting Civil Rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All submissions must be received by Thursday, January 30 and the winner will be selected based on originality of work and placed on display in the library’s atrium throughout the month of February. January 1-30 during library hours. Group Reservations required. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Southwest Branch. 3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331. 404-699-6363
Saturday, January 11
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drop-In Craft. Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Buckhead Branch, 269 Buckhead Avenue, NE, Atlanta 30305. Children can drop in any time between noon-4 p.m. to make a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. craft as a parent & child activity. Ages 4-12. 404.814.3500
Sunday, January 12
10:45a.m.
Zion Grove Baptist Church, 606 Pryor Street Atlanta
Pre-King Holiday Worship Service. FREE Open to the Public. MORE INFORMATION IS FORTHCOMING.
For more information contact: MLK March Committee Office 279 Logan Street Atlanta, Georgia 404-614-3222
Tuesday, January 14
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The King Center, Freedom Hall Auditorium Peace Party ATL
FREE Open to Middle and High School Students
The purpose is to inform teen participants of the negative consequences for involvement in gangs, violence, and illegal activity. Event Participants will gain awareness through personal testimonies from experienced individuals who have been hindered by bad decision making. Guest speakers include previously incarcerated persons, former gang members, victims of violent crimes. And more.
For more information contact: Reginald Crossley at (404) 612-7386 or reginald.crossley@fultoncountyga.gov
Wednesday, January 15
10:00 a.m.
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Perry Homes Branch
2011 Bolton Road, NW Suite 100, Atlanta 3031 Birthday Wishes for Dr. King - Story time for Toddlers
In honor of Dr. King’s birthday children will hear stories and complete crafts to celebrate the day. Ages 2-6. Reservations required for groups.
For information call Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System 404.792.4994
11:00 a.m.
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System - Bowen/Bankhead Branch
2685 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, Atlanta 30318 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Story time
Ages 3-5. Registration required.
For information call 404.792.2646
5:00 p.m.
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Central Library
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Birthday Artwork Celebration
Children will enjoy creating their very own art pieces Ages 7-12.
For information call 404.730.1845
10:00 a.m.
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Washington Park
1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30314 The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.
Stories and songs about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to celebrate his birthday. Ages 3-6. Reservations required. For information call 404.752.8760
3:30 p.m.
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Washington Park
1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30314 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Create your own “I Have A Dream” speech based on the famous Dr. Martin Luther King speech. Ages 7-12. Reservations required. For information call 404.752.8760
Thursday, January 16
7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary 407 Auburn Avenue
Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence
Free and Open To The Public
The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, The King Center, Inc., Presbyterian Church Peace and Justice Committee, the March Committee, the Atlanta Police Department, Georgians for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and others will sponsor together during King Week 2014 (January 10-20, 201) a free community-wide screening of Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Heritage Sanctuary at 7:30pm.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with questions and answers. Panelists will include “Killa Mike Render”, APD Sgt. Corey Andry, Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock (to be invited), Alice Johnson, Lucy McBath the mother of Jordan Davis. The moderator will be Ronnie Mosley. Many communities across the nation have been impacted by gun violence. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has recently produced a documentary film Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence, which examines the ripple effect one shooting has on a survivor, a family, a community, and a society.
For more information contact: Georgians for Gun Safety ggs2005@bellsouth.net The King March Committee 404-614-3233
Friday, January 17
9:00a.m.
Location: Fox Theater
The Annual Dr. King Holiday Labor/ Human Rights Prayer Breakfast
Tickets:$50.00
For more information contact: Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council, 404-524-3559
Gospel Concert - A Musical Tribute: King’s Legacy of Peace for Our World
8:00 p.m.
Location: Ebenezer Baptist Church – Heritage Sanctuary
FREE and Open to the Public
January 2014 marks the 85th birthday observance of Dr. MLK and the 50th year of MLK’s Nobel Peace Prize Award. Join us for a musical tribute in acknowledgement of the journey.
Saturday, January 18
10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Location: IBEW Auditorium
501 Pulliam Street
Atlanta, GA The MLK March Committee Annual Youth Conference
FREE and Open to the Public – REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration: Erica Taylor, Chair, emtay08@gmail.com
1:00 p.m.
Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System -- Buckhead Branch
269 Buckhead Avenue, NE, Atlanta 30305 “MLK” Martin Luther King Jr.
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, the Buckhead Library will be showing a viewing of “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: a historical perspective.” Ages12-up.
Sunday, January 19
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Wheat Street Baptist Church
359 Auburn Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30312
A Balm in Gilead A Musical Drama
Free Open to the Public
In 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, the Labor Movement and the Civil Rights Movement came together in a monumental struggle for human and public employee rights.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Championed the cause of these 1300 sanitation workers, who went on strike demanding their basic rights to organize a union, to gain a living wage, and to receive the respect and dignity due all working men and women.
For more information contact: Rev. Dr. Michael N. Harris, Pastor 404.659.4328
Monday, January 20
All Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birth Home Tours
FREE Open to the Public
Tours are conducted by the National Park service
For more information contact: National Park Service
1:45-4:00 p.m.
King Week Holiday March & Rally
FREE Open to the Public
March will began at Peachtree Street and Baker (Xernona Clayton Way) Street. The Rally is held on Auburn Avenue in the King National Park Area. The areas of concern are education, technology, medical, investment, transportation, housing environmental justice, job creation, conflict resolution, interfaith, cultural exchange, peace, justice, and voter registration.
To participate in the March call or email 404.614.3233 or cleoorange@bellsouth.net
3:00 -6:00pm
MLK Community Resources Complex (HOPE CENTER)
101 Jackson St Atlanta, Ga 30312
Operation HOPE Empowerment Series
FREE Open to the Public
Description of event: Operation HOPE will host three workshops covering the topics of Entrepreneurship facilitated by Hotep, Social Media Platforms facilitated by Yolanda Dryerbuzz, and The Affordable Health Care Act facilitated by Karla Johnson. Opportunity to learn more about each topic will be plentiful as well as on the spot registration for health care in our Cyber Cafe.
For more information contact: Walter Jackson , 404-228-0155 or walter.jackson@operationhope.org
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project. All Day FREE Open to the Public
The MLK, Jr. Day of Service, sponsored by Hands On Atlanta, is an opportunity for ordinary citizens can make a difference in the world. It is scheduled to take place on throughout the day Monday, January 20th with diverse community service projects throughout Atlanta in honor of Dr. King. For more information contact: Hands On Atlanta at (404) 979- 2800 or www.handsonatlanta.org.
Saturday, January 11
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The King Center Freedom Hall & Screening Room,
449 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312
Celebrating the Nonviolent Legacy of Yolanda D. King through the Arts!
(Film Screening and Arts Showcase)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. FREE and Open to the Public
This day was created to honor the legacy of Yolanda Denise King, her love of cultural affairs and the arts, and her commitment to nonviolence. The King Center will digitally showcase submissions of visual art for youth, 5-25 years of age, related to peace and choosing nonviolence. Submission forms will soon be available on The King Center website.
Moderator: Angela Robinson, Host In Contact
The King Center, in partnership with the National Park Service, will screen three documentaries followed by audience discussions as examples of how nonviolence can be expressed through film. “The Loving Story” is the inspiration and heartwarming story of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple who married in 1958 despite Virginia’s miscegenation laws. 'The Trials of Muhammad Ali' covers Ali's toughest bout: his battle to overturn a five-year prison sentence for refusing US military service in Vietnam. “Girl Rising” tells the stories of nine girls from different parts of the world who face arranged marriages, child slavery, and other heartbreaking injustices.
Sunday, January 12
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The King Center, Freedom Hall Auditorium
Dr. King: An Intimate Conversation & Book Signing
FREE and Open to the Public
The discussion and book signing will feature members of the King Family, who will share personal stories and insight about Dr. King as an example of choosing nonviolence as a way of life. Details concerning the books to be signed are forthcoming.
Monday, January 13 – Thursday, January 16
10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Freedom Hall Auditorium
Choose Nonviolence: NOW! No Other Way!
K-12 Student Visit with King Family at King Center Site
Free and Open to K-12th grade students and chaperones. Registration required.
This program will enable students an opportunity to learn first-hand from the King/Farris family about Dr. King. Students will be challenged to “Choose Nonviolence” and given practical steps of actions they can implement to make a difference in their lives, their families and communities. Each day will feature different members of the King and Farris Family.
For more information contact: Barbara Harrison, 404.526.8911 or programs@thekingcenter.org
Moderators
John Bachman, WSB-T, Channel 2 Morning
Lorraine Jacques-White, WAOK Radio Afternoon
Russ Spencer, Fox-5 TV Afternoon
Tuesday, January 14
10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Freedom Hall Auditorium
Choose Nonviolence: NOW! No Other Way!
Details: (see Monday’s event for details)
Moderators for this event include:
Jovita Moore,WSB-TV Morning
Steve Goss, WABE 90.1 Morning
Sophia Choi,WSB-TV, Channel 2 Afternoon
