Atlanta
The King Center
The King Center is hosting several events to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Details can be found on the website.
- The Beloved Community virtual children’s book reading is Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. and noon.
- The Beloved Community Global Summit is Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Microsoft, 200 17th St., Atlanta. Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.
- The Beloved Community Empowerment Fair is Jan. 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The King Center offering programs on career development, financial literacy, and health and wellness resources.
Hands On Atlanta
Hands On Atlanta is leading 10 days of service through Jan. 20, featuring 400 volunteer projects to support more than 75 nonprofits and schools. Hands On Atlanta aims to engage 5,000 people in service, honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through meaningful action and community impact. To volunteer, visit handsonatlanta.org/mlk.
Emory Law School
Emory University School of Law presents its 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture on Jan. 15 at 12:15 p.m. The theme for the free event is “The Injustice of Poverty: King’s Fight for Economic Equality.” This year’s keynote speaker will be Crystal McElrath from Southern Poverty Law Center. The event will be held at Emory Law School, Tull Auditorium, 1301 Clifton Road.
MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards
Rescheduled to Jan. 18 due to the weekend winter storm, the Beloved Community Awards recognize national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, pursue social justice. This year’s honorees include actor/singer Jennifer Lewis, student scientist Heman Bekele, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and the Latin American Association. The event will be held at at the Omni Hotel starting at 6 p.m. Get tickets here.
King Family Women’s Hat Exhibit
The Atlanta History Center, in collaboration with the Christine King Farris Legacy Foundation and members of the King Family, will debut the King Family Women’s Hat Exhibit, opening Jan. 18. The 17 hats on display explore the legacy of the African American church hat tradition through the lens of the influential women of the King family. Get more details here.
Soul Cinema Sundays
The Plaza Theatre will host the screening of “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. The critically acclaimed film produced and directed by Joe Talbot, stars Danny Glover, Tichina Arnold, Mike Epps, Jonatan Majors, and Jimmie Fails. Monica Johnson, organizer with the Housing Justice League, will be in conversation with Kalonji Changa of Black Power Media, the event’s primary media sponsor, prior to the film’s screening, speaking about fair housing in Atlanta. Tickets and details here.
Ebenezer Baptist Church Commemorative Service
The annual commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Sweet Auburn is set for Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. with keynote speaker Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. Visit www.thekingcenter.org or stream the service on Fox5 Atlanta.
Annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Community Breakfast
The Southern Unity Movement hosts the 24th annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Community Breakfast on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland St. NE. The event honors the legacies of Bayard Rustin, a gay man who was a civil rights architect and one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest advisers, and lesbian feminist and poet Audre Lorde. Following the breakfast, attendees are invited to participate in the The King Day March & Rally.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours MLK Day brunch and LA fires fundraiser
Chef Deborah VanTrece’s award-winning Blandtown restaurant will host an all-day MLK Day brunch which will also raise money for Little Red Hen Coffee Shop in LA. The Atladena shop was lost in the fires that ravaged the LA area last week. Little Red Hen’s owners have family ties to Georgia and proceeds from the brunch will contribute to funding to help them rebuild. Reservations highly encouraged.
The King Day March & Rally
The King Day March and Rally, led by the Interfaith Children’s Movement, starts at 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of John Portman Boulevard NW and Peachtree Street. The approximately 1 mile march ends at the King Center where a rally will begin at 3:30 p.m.
MLK Day Community on Tap with King Williams and Atlanta Civic Circle
Atlanta documentarian and journalist, King Williams, will host an MLK Day community meet-up event with Atlanta Civic Circle on Monday, Jan. 20. The event takes place at Wild Heaven Beer in West End, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Neighborhood Supper Club
The 2025 Neighborhood Supper Club pop-up series kicks off at Sweet Auburn BBQ in Poncey-Highland on Jan. 20 from 5-8 p.m. with Polish food pop-up Beksa Lala. Rough Draft named Beksa Lala “Best New Pop-Up” of 2024. The Polish Pierogi and Plates dinner will include a collaborative menu between Beksa Lala and Sweet Auburn BBQ. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The King Center in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of service.
R&B Brunch After Dark
Kristina Webb and Saundae Rowe host this special event on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. at City Winery to honor Martin Luther King Jr. The event will feature live performances by Desmond Champion, K. Terry, and surprise guests. Tickets are available here.
“Dear Dr. King” at the Alliance Theatre
As part of the Alliance Theatre’s Palefsky Collision Project, a group of teenagers will perform the show “Dear Dr. King” on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Woodruff Arts Center. The performance is directed by Sam Provenzano in collaboration with playwright Maya Lawrence, Director of Artistic Mentorship Rodney L. Williams, and Music Director David Koté. Tickets are free, but attendees must still make reservations online to attend.
Brookhaven
Lynwood Trailblazers
Brookhaven’s ninth annual MLK Day dinner and celebration on Jan. 20 will be held at Lynwood Recreation Center, 3360 Osborne Road, a former school that was one of the first to be a part of the integration program in 1968. A tribute to the Lynwood Trailblazers, the event is welcoming keynote speaker and newscaster Monica Kaufman Pearson, live performances and special guests. Tickets cost $10. For information, call 404-637-0542.
Sandy Springs
MLK Jr. Day Family Events
Sandy Springs will celebrate “Martin Luther King Jr.: Life and Legacy” from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 20 with activities and a film at the Performing Arts Center’s Studio and Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way. The event is free and family-friendly.
Two screenings of “Our Friend, Martin,” will be shown at 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The animated children’s film follows middle school friends who travel through time, meeting MLK at several points during his life. The film refers to historical events that might require explanations for younger viewers.
Activity stations in the Studio Theatre include themes like dream, justice, love, liberty and more. For more, visit the website.
Family Mitzvah Day
Jewish Family & Career Services’ first Family Mitzvah Day is being held at The Weber School. Families with kids ages 5-13 can build community while giving back, while high schoolers can earn community hours by helping to run the event. Cost: $36 per family. Click here to sign up.
Dunwoody Update: Chilly weather forces postponement
Dunwoody’s Day of Service
Update: Due to temperature concerns on Monday, MLK Jr. Day of Service projects have been postponed until February 1. This includes the LifeSouth blood drive. Registered volunteers will be notified directly.
Dunwoody Nature Center volunteers should contact lishaw@dunwoodynature.org for inquires related to that project site.
Still want to help? The Souper Bowl of Caring, led by the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack & Jill, Inc. is going virtual. Consider supporting local families by donating to Malachi’s Storehouse using this link: https://amzn.to/40eN11C.
Family Volunteering at Davis Academy
Preschool-age children and their families are welcome to join The Davis Academy for a morning of social action, song, movement and a hands-on service project. Interfaith and multi-faith families are welcome. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, and interfaith and Jewish organizations.
Tucker postpones events because of weather
Update: The City of Tucker is canceling the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 20, due to expected freezing temperatures. The event will be rescheduled in the coming weeks.
Johns Homestead Park
Tucker is hosting its eighth Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Focusing on Johns Homestead Park, volunteers will clear trails in preparation for dam construction on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Teen Day of Service
Teens have a special opportunity to volunteer at Johns Homestead Park (details above) then head down to Ponce City Market and Eclipso Atlanta for fun! Registration for the Teen Day of Service and Fun is on the Tucker parks website.
Doraville
MLK Day 5K Drum Run
This 5K walk/run will take place entirely on New Peachtree Road with the gathering area at First Baptist Church of Doraville (across the street from the MARTA station). The USATF certified race course and Peachtree Road Race qualifier will have a 3.1 mile drumline all along the race course. Party starts at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. Register here.