“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” —MLK Jr.
Each year on the third Monday of January, we honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the nation’s most prominent civil rights leader and a pre-eminent advocate of nonviolence. Below is a roundup of several MLK Day events happening in Louisville, plus one virtual offering. All events are FREE, no tickets or registration required.
FRIDAY, JAN. 17
MLK Shabbat
The Temple – 5101 US-42, Louisville, KY 40241
7 p.m.
All are welcome to this special Shabbat service featuring the St. Stephen Baptist Church Praise Team, under the direction of Kevin James, executive director of Music and Worship.
SUNDAY, JAN. 19
Keepers of the Dream – A Community Celebration of Dr. King’s Vision
The Kentucky Center – 501 West Main St., Louisville, KY 40202
5 p.m. | Pre-show activities start in the lobby at 4 p.m.
This entertaining event inside the Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall will highlight performances, visual art, music and more.
MONDAY, JAN. 20
53rd Martin Luther King Jr. Motorcade
King Solomon Baptist Church – 1620 Anderson St, Louisville, KY 40210
10:30 a.m. – Motorcade departs from the Kroger parking lot at 28th and Broadway
11:30 a.m. – Procession ends at King Solomon Baptist Church, which will host an MLK Celebration Service
This annual motorcade celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. All are welcome to participate in the motorcade (arrive early to line up), as well as the culminating celebration at King Solomon Baptist Church. A free lunch will follow the celebration.
MLK Community Free Day at Ali Center
Muhammad Ali Center – 144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Panel discussion at 12 p.m.
The Muhammad Ali Center is celebrating MLK Day by offering free admission to the museum. The Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students will host its annual “Continuing the Dream, Continuing the Legacy” youth leadership panel discussion at noon.
Archdiocese of Louisville MLK Commemoration: ‘Healing Brings Peace’
Cathedral of the Assumption – 433 S 5th St., Louisville, KY 40202
10 a.m.
This annual service at the historic cathedral honors King’s legacy and serves as a “clarion call to become drum majors for justice and peace for all people.” Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre will preside over the service, now in its 39th year. The theme is “Healing Brings Peace” and will include reflective readings and songs of praise by the Archdiocesan Gospel Choir.
The King Center’s Beloved Community Commemorative Service
Virtual Event
9 a.m. EST
This program is the culmination of a week-long celebration, hosted by The King Center in Atlanta. The event — live streamed on multiple platforms, including Facebook and thekingcenter.org. — will feature keynote speaker Bishop William J. Barber, II, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, along with musical performances and more.
MLK Day: An Opportunity for Common Action
Because MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service, it’s also a perfect time to volunteer and give back to your community.
On August 23, 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Inspired by King’s life of service, Congressman John Lewis and former Senator Harris Wofford proposed the legislation to encourage Americans to find common causes and methods of improving their communities. In honor of Congressman Lewis’ initiative to make the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday “a day on, not a day off”
Regardless of where you live, you can find a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you via VolunteerMatch.
Learn more about the history of this holiday and the life/legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.