Free public events will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to celebrate and commemorate the 91st birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15 and ending on the National King Holiday, Monday, Jan. 20, according to a press release.
The National Park Service hopes to make this observance of the Martin Luther King Jr., National Holiday one that deeply honors and serves Dr. King’s life and legacy as a “day on” rather than a “day off,” said park officials.
Schedule of events:
10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 15: The National Park Service will host a youth story-telling program that will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 91st birthday at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. A member of the King family will share the story “My Brother Martin” written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sister, Christine King Farris. Metro-Atlanta schools are invited to participate.
9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 16: A Volunteer Day of Service will begin under the canopy of the National Park Service Visitor Center. Information: Marty Smith at 404-886-6140.
3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19: An artistic tribute in the form of a concert will take place at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. The concert will feature an array of artists, honoring Dr. King’s 91st birthday through music, song, dance and spoken word.
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, National King Holiday: Special programs will be conducted park wide throughout the day.
The King Birth Home, the historic structure where Martin Luther King, Jr. was born and lived his first twelve years of life, will be open to park visitors for walk through tours from 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Special education programing for children will take place at Fire Station No. 6, including arts & crafts, games, a National Park Service photo booth, and the Park’s Junior Ranger Program.
A replica of a 1955 MARTA Bus will be on Auburn Avenue, visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to the era of the Civil Rights Movement.
Historic Fire Station No. 6, the Heritage Sanctuary of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and National Park Service’s Visitor Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Information: www.nps.gov/malu
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