Museums in Detroit will honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with themed celebrations taking place throughout the day, Monday, Jan. 19.
The Detroit Historical Society is hosting its annual celebration at its building on Woodward and Kirby. This year, the event, A Dream Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of the Black Church in Detroit During the Civil Rights Movement, will highlight just that.
Throughout the day at the museum, families can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities inspired by community, justice and faith. The program also features an engaging presentation on Dr. King’s name change and his influential spiritual leadership at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The program will offer insight into the foundations of King’s work.
The celebration ends with the Detroit Historical Society’s annual tradition of singing Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” in honor of King and sharing mini cupcakes with attendees.
Doors open at 10am.
The Charles H. Wright Museum has programming from 8am to 6pm taking place on its campus.
The theme of this year’s MLK Day at The Wright, “We Who Believe in Freedom” explores and honors King’s commitment to justice, equality, and peace. The day features a series of ticketed and free events that provide activities for every age.
“As we commemorate Dr. King’s contributions, we’ll embrace our shared responsibility to promote justice and equality and reaffirm our collective commitment to carrying forward his legacy,” the museum said.
There will be conversations activists and community leaders before film screenings, prayer breakfasts and more. A conversation moderated by Outlier Media executive editor Orlando Bailey will take place at 9:50am between Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, Daughters of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.
Neil A. Barclay, the president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum, is hosting the event. A musical performance is scheduled for the morning by Carla-Rivers-Johnson.
Doors open at 7:00 AM.
At 2:30 the DIA and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History are hosting Community Sing Along: Songs of Civil Rights, a participatory concert celebrating the power of music to unite people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.
The program is being held in partnership with multiple local choral organizations, singers will be backed by a stellar band of Detroit-based singers and musicians, with lyrics provided. The program will feature spoken-word performances by InsideOut Detroit Literary Arts Program and songs from historic social movements expressing themes of togetherness and unity in the spirit of Dr. King.
Prior to the Sing Along, join us for a self-guided tour of our newly installed African American Galleries. After the event, march with us to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for more dynamic programs.
Register to reserve your seat at Rivera Court.
