MLK Day 2021: Celebrate & Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day is dedicated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a young preacher who devoted his life to “freedom and justice for all.”
On the third Monday of every year, we take time to honor his legacy. This year, the holiday will be observed on Monday, January 18th 2021.
Honor Dr. King with your family on MLK Day 2021. Take a look…
MLK Day Events 2021: Volunteering & Learning
Many people consider MLK Day a holiday to be “A Day On, Not A Day Off. As such, many people set this day aside to participate in community service projects.
Harvesters MLK Day of Service
Saturday, January 16th from 9 am to 5 pm
Come volunteer at Harvester’s to celebrate MLK Day! While this event is happening on Monday, you can still get in the spirit of what MLK stood for.
Bring your kids along to this special event to teach them about Martin Luther King Jr. and the value of giving back to your community! You must register for the event, so visit them online!
City Year Kansas City Day of Service
Monday, January 18th at 10 am
This year the event will be virtual. There will be a virtual service project, as well as workshop regarding social justice. The day of service event will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. All are welcome, so don’t miss this fun Zoom event with your family!
2021 MLK Mass Celebration
Monday, January 18th at 5:30 pm
Usually, The Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City commemorates the holiday with nearly two weeks’ worth events. However, this year there will be 2 virtual events.
The Virtual MLK Celebration will host a live panel, as well as awards ceremony for those who have honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. You don’t want to miss this virtual celebration!
Meditation for MLK Day
Monday, January 18th at 8 pm
This MLK event can be attended virtually or in-person. You must give notice for in-person as space is limited so sign-up for your spot now!
The meditation class is donation based and located in Leawood, KS. All our welcome! If you can’t attend in person, Zoom is always a great option too. Don’t miss out on this mindful event.
MLK Day Art Class
Monday, January 18th
Come learn color theory in Liberty, MO – making all different shades of skin ton colors! If you like to get creative, this is a fun and unique way to celebrate MLK Day!
Take a Walk!
Traditionally there is a coordinated Annual MLK Day Nature Walk that begins at Martin Luther King Jr. Square, Swope Parkway & Woodland Ave. However, this year KC Parks & Rec is not coordinating an event.
You can still get active with your family by walking this route on your own! This is a 2.5 mile walk so, bring the whole family!
** Cancelled for 2021.
Celebrate MLK Day 2021 with the Community
Monday, January 19th; Begins at 9:30 am
MNU is hosting an MLK Day Community Celebration, so head over to zoom to watch this virtual MLK Day event. There will be speakers and presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Award. This free event starts at 9:30 am. A great educational event for older kids.
What’s Closed on MLK Day?
MLK Day has been a national holiday for over 30 years.
As, with national holidays most banks and post offices around the country are closed. Markets are closed for trading. Many of your children will not have school on this Monday either. Most stores will be open.
MLK Day = Family Time!
Stores and places to eat throughout KC will be open though.
..use this as a FAMILY DAY!
Spend some quality time with your kiddos if you are lucky enough to have off work…
Cancelled for 2021:
> Cleaver Family YMCA Martin King Jr. Day of Service
Cleaver Family YMCA: 7000 Troost Kansas City, Missouri 64131
The YMCA hosts opportunities for your entire family to volunteer together!
You can come and go from the event whenever is convenient for your family. Your efforts will help organizations such as Bed of Bags, KC Hospice and Palliative Care, KC Pet Project & more!
This event is family friendly and children of all ages are welcome.
> Linwood YMCA Day of Service
Linwood YMCA
Kids and families can volunteer together during this day of service. There are items you can bring to donate to create hygiene kits for communities in need, or make sandwiches to be given out to those who need in the community.
You will receive lunch while you are volunteering.
> MLK Day Celebration with Gem Theater
Gem Theater: 1615 East 18th Street Kansas City, MO 64108
This MLK Day event will show a documentary, “It Is Well”, which highlights Rev. B. R. Mitchell, Jr.’s accomplishments throughout his life. This film will inspire your family to see things from different points of view, so you don’t want to miss this family MLK Day event!
> Teen Community Service Day
NourishKC: 11 East 40th Street Kansas City, MO 64111
> Day of Service with Metropolitan Community College
Metropolitan Community College: 3200 Broadway Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64111
This MLK Day of Service will take place throughout the metro on January 18th & 20th. Explore online the different volunteer
Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series
Pierson Auditorium: 5000 Holmes St. Kansas City, MO 64110
UMKC annually hosts an MLK lecture series– this year featuring Dr. Harry Edwards. You must register for the event before – there is a fee.
options available. There are many!
No matter how your family chooses to celebrate, we hope you find time to learn with your family and celebrate a man who dedicated his life to a better future for our country.
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
