Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day!

Dr. King Speaks On The Phone
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⬇️ SEE BELOW: 1961: Martin Luther King Brings the Civil Rights Message to Sioux Falls ⬇️

MLK Day Event Cancelled

While today is Dr. Martin Luther King Day, most of the slated events for today have been canceled.

The 39th Annual Martin Luther King Commemoration was scheduled for January 20th, 2025. Unfortunately, it has been canceled.

GRCC - Woodrick Center
GRCC - Woodrick Center
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The press release said the event was canceled "due to hazardous weather conditions and extreme temperatures."

The 39th Annual Martin Luther King Commemoration featuring keynote speaker LaTosha Brown, will be rescheduled for Black History Month (February), according to organizers from Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, and Grand Rapids Community College.

Alternative Ways To Honor Dr. MLK

Since many Michigan residents are likely experiencing snow today on Martin Luther King Day, there are still several meaningful activities they can do indoors to celebrate the holiday.

Here are some of my ideas to honor the Civil Rights icon:

1. Watch Documentaries or Movies About Martin Luther King Jr.

Personally, growing up, I would always watch "Our Friend Martin" every single year. It is the perfect thing to watch with the entire family.

2. Read Dr. King's Speeches and Writings

You can read selections from Dr. King’s "Letters from Birmingham Jail", "Why We Can't Wait", or his Nobel Peace Prize speech.

Many of the West Michigan libraries and online resources have free access to these writings and more from Dr. King.

3. Create Art Inspired by Dr. King's Legacy

Want to get the full family involved in celebrating? You can create art projects with family or friends by creating posters or collages that reflect Dr. King’s message of equality, justice, and peace.

4. Volunteer Virtually

Many organizations offer virtual volunteer opportunities. This could include writing letters to those in need, participating in digital drives, or assisting in online educational programs that promote diversity and inclusion.

⬇️ LOOK BELOW: 50 essential civil rights speeches ⬇️

5. Create a Virtual or In-Person Book Club

You can choose books by African American authors or books that focus on the Civil Rights Movement, such as:

  • "The Autobiography of Malcolm X"
  • "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois
  • "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates

6. Support Black-Owned Businesses

There are plenty of Black-owned businesses across Grand Rapids and West Michigan so this is the perfect day to support.

So, take time to support Black-owned businesses by shopping online or ordering from local Black-owned restaurants or stores. You can check out the Grand Rapids Area Black Business' directory for the full list of Black-owned businesses in Grand Rapids.

By combining reflection, learning, and action, Michigan residents can create a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, even while indoors.

1961: Martin Luther King Brings the Civil Rights Message to Sioux Falls

About six years after the Montgomery bus boycott began, and two years before his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington DC, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr visited Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

LOOK: 50 essential civil rights speeches

Many of the speakers had a lifetime commitment to human rights, but one tried to silence an activist lobbying for voting rights, before later signing off on major civil rights legislation. Several fought for freedom for more than one oppressed group.

Keep reading to discover 50 essential civil rights speeches.

Gallery Credit: Karen Johanson

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