ATLANTA — As the nation marks Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, people are invited to partake in his birthday by commemorating the life and work of the civil rights giant.
A Baptist minister and prominent leader in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, MLK Day is often used to encourage service and reflection. Atlanta, known as the cradle of civil rights and the birthplace of Dr. King, will host an array of events to celebrate his memory and 95th birthday across the metro and to provide an opportunity to reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change.
Leading up until Jan. 15, people can volunteer their time or learn something new. There is a list of events below:
MLK events
Education
Beloved Community Global Summit
Wednesday, Jan. 10 & Thursday, Jan 11 | 11 a.m. (Virtual)
People can observe MLK Day by partaking in "It Starts with Me: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence," - an online summit that will include panel discussions, interviews, 10-15 minute talks and presentations. Registration is required for both days to receive supplementary materials.
Youth book reading and puppetry presentation
Wednesday, Jan. 10 | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
The King Center promises an inspirational and exciting reading of Linzy Binzy: Around the World with Friends for young future changemakers. In this first adventure, Loving the Skin We’re In, children explore Linzy Binzy’s world of “Let’s Pretend,” and they meet all of her beautiful friends for the first time, according to event organizers.
The author and illustrator, including a puppetry artist, will be part of the virtual experience. People can register for free tickets using this link.
Beloved Community Awards
Saturday, Jan. 13 | 6 p.m.
The Beloved Community Awards is one of the marquee events of The King Center’s week-long annual King holiday experience. The awards recognize national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, pursuit of social justice, and commitment to creating the Beloved Community in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. For information on tickets, who will be honored and how to attend, click here.
Below is a look at the 2023 award ceremony:
Beloved Community Teach-in
Friday, Jan. 12 | Virtual
The King Center is empowering educators as part of a global movement to engage people to learn about the Kings' legacies and how to carry on their mission.
"The King Center hopes classrooms and centers of learning across the globe will take part in this empowering day of discussion, reflection and action," according to the event description.
Service
Beloved Community Service Project
Donations: Ongoing throughout January
Service day: Monday, Jan. 15 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In partnership with the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID), The Elizabeth Foundation, Our House and other partner organizations, The King Center is coordinating a donation drive and day of service. On Jan. 15, volunteers will assemble care kits for the unsheltered.
People can drop off donations at the King Center on Jan. 15 or purchase items via an Amazon wish list to contribute directly to the cause.
Hands-on: MLK Days of Service
Thursday, Jan. 11 events:
Beatification and invasive removal at Historic Bagley Park | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
For those looking to lend a green thumb this MLK Day weekend, Friends of Bagley Park and Restore ATL will remove invasive species and do some landscaping tasks to improve the park's ecosystem. Volunteers will work on a creek restoration project led by ReForest Atlanta. Sign up here.
Food Plus - Just1 BMG "Big Miller Grove Missionary Church" | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Help families in DeKalb County by giving away prepackaged bags of food. Volunteers can also pack food bags, produce boxes and load them into client vehicles. They'll be expected to clean up the work area once the food distribution is done. To participate in the Jan. 11 event, register here.
Friday, Jan. 12 events:
Operation Clean Sweep: Moreland Avenue | 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
The goal of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) is to transform Atlanta into a city that offers residents, businesses, and visitors a clean, safe, healthy environment and a high quality of life. Volunteers will help with litter management. To register, click here.
Saturday, Jan. 13 events:
MLK 24 - Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Promising a fun beautification project in the name of service, organizers are seeking volunteers to enhance the entrances of the building and sprucing up other areas of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. This will include adding native plants, new landscaping and tree care. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To join the waitlist, click here.
SATISFEED! | 8:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Working together to fight hunger, food insecurity and food deserts, volunteers can step into a fast-paced and energetic environment in Lawrenceville. People will be asked to contribute to the drive-thru food pantry by creating 60-70-pound bags of food and distributing them. Volunteers can also meet, greet and register guests. To sign up to help, click here.
Sunday, Jan 14 events:
Grove Park, Proctor Creek Stewardship forest restoration | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
People can enjoy the beautiful outdoors and volunteer their time by restoring natural areas in parks and green spaces. Skilled leaders will show volunteers how to use hand tools like clippers and pruning saws to enhance the environment in the healthiest and safest way possible. Participants can also earn greenspace stewardship certifications after participating in several similar volunteer events. Grab your gloves and sign up here.
Five Points Farm (MARTA) | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Known as one of Atlanta's most unique community gardens, people can help revitalize the downtown area by heading to the top of MARTA's Five Points Station. Volunteers will help with weeding, planting, watering, harvesting and doing site beautification. The garden is a pilot for edible landscaping in urban areas and is a Pollinator Partner - so volunteers are asked to stick to the guidelines given to help. Instructions will be sent to volunteers after signing up.
Monday, Jan. 15 events:
Keep Our Community Clean | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join The Launch Pad Foundation to pick up debris in designated areas. The goal is to disperse volunteers to "key areas to clean" for about two hours. Ponchos, trash pickers and gloves will be provided. Sign up for the opportunity here.
Hawk Hollow Garden | 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Upkeep takes a lot of effort, which is why the Wylde Center is seeking volunteers for its native plant garden. Participants will partake in weeding, planting and mulching to help with the integrity of the public garden. Volunteers will be asked to sign a waiver. Sign up for a shift here.
Throughout the weekend:
Food box packing | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Assist New Life Community Alliance and help unpack and sort donated food items at the pantry. Volunteers can also help sort, organize and package food for distribution. Sign up for a shift here. The organization is also seeking car ambassadors to help distribute goods. Register here to help.
Reflections of Trinity Food Pantry Grocery prep
Every week, the outreach team has volunteers help prepare boxes of food for Saturday distribution. People can volunteer in Powder Springs to help with the prep, which could include loading and unloading trucks, putting away food on shelves and in freezers, and preparing for the weekly grocery distribution. People can sign up for volunteer time here.
City Bridges food pantry
Those looking for a volunteer opportunity in Fairburn can raise their hand to help unload grocery store deliveries, stock shelves and pack distribution boxes. The goal is to help feed vulnerable families in the community. Sign up for a shift here.
MLK: CCC Community Smile Bag Pack + Book Collection
Monday, Jan. 15 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Repair The World continuously offers volunteer opportunities, including in Atlanta. For MLK Day, Repair The World is partnering with Creating Connected Communities and Congregation B'nai Torah for a day of service to create "smile bags" that also include a book. People can donate items or volunteer to assemble the bags. The location is released after registration. Those interested can learn more here.
Dream Big Book Drive
Georgia State is launching this book drive aimed at bringing the joy of reading to young minds across Atlanta. You can drop off gently used or new children's books at the Student Center East information desk on Georgia State's Atlanta campus. Those interested can learn more here.
Have other service or educational events to add? Email gnunez@11alive.com for consideration.