Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be Monday, January 18, 2021. While many annual observations have been scaled back or canceled due to the pandemic, there are still meaningful public events taking place throughout Northeast Ohio. These public programs are designed to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and his peaceful fight for civil rights. Most of these events are online; others are in-person or outdoors. Best of all, each of these events is free!
AKRON ART MUSEUM
FREE Family Day: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Join the museum and the Akron-Summit County Public Library in a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the day, the museum will stream videos about works from the collection that highlight significant moments in the Civil Rights Movement, in tandem with readings of work by black authors and poets on the museum’s Facebook and Instagram sites. Each session will feature selections for both adults and children. To wrap up the day, join a local art teacher for an art-making demonstration using supplies from the museum’s new Creativity Care Kit, which you can pick up in advance for FREE.
Online, 10am-4pm
CLEVELAND MUSEUM of ART
FREE Virtual MLK Day Program: Becoming a Beloved Community
The Beloved Community is a vision that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. popularized during the Civil Rights Movement. King’s Beloved Community is a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves. On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, poets use Michelangelo Lovelace’s painting My Home Town (1998) as a departure point to explore King’s Beloved Community. This painting offers candid commentary on Cleveland’s historical and present state of racial segregation, while providing an optimistic perspective through the figures coming together in the center.
The program includes opening remarks by Reverend Dr. Jawanza Colvin, the pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, a museum trustee, and the inaugural chair of the museum’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee; original poems recited by Cuyahoga County poet laureate Honey Bell-Bey; and acclaimed poet Orlando Watson; and a moderated discussion.
Online, 6pm-7pm
CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA
FREE MLK Day Virtual Community Concert
For over 40 years, The Cleveland Orchestra celebrates the unifying message and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This dynamic musical program, performed by The Cleveland Orchestra in historic Severance Hall, features outstanding soloists, the MLK Community Chorus, and the presentation of the Community Service Awards.
Online, TBA
LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS
FREE ‘Remember the Dream’ MLK Event
This 7-day event will have a virtual component, online activities, and outdoor experiences for everyone to enjoy. Free registration is online.
Online via Facebook, January 15-22
MLK Take-Home Kit
Learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and find out why he has a holiday in his honor through an engaging take-home kit.
Pre-register for a FREE kit online by January 17.
MALTZ MUSEUM of JEWISH HERITAGE
FREE MLK Day Celebration: Hear Our Voices
Online Programs & In-Person Self-Guided Museum Tours
Rooted in the Jewish value, respect for all humanity, the Maltz Museum is proud honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an all-day celebration including free Museum admission, virtual family activities, and a special online program featuring Dr. David Pilgrim of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. Check the website for details an registration.
Online and in person, 11am-5pm
ROCK & ROLL HALL of FAME
FREE Virtual Exhibit, “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope & Empowerment”
Free digital event includes exhibit exploration, live music and dance performances, rare archival footage, educational spotlights, and more.
Online, noon-1:30 pm
SUMMIT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT
FREE Self-Guided MLK Day Hike
Enjoy a self-guided hike along Alder Trail, inspired by the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. 9am-11pm, Goodyear Heights Metro Park, 2077 Newton St., Akron, OH 44305
Public domain photo
