LITTLE ROCK, Ark — Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday marking the birth date of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. He was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
To honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr., local organizations have put together celebrations for the holiday.
2020 King Week Activities
What: People across the country will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, but here in Arkansas, the Arkansas Martin Luther King Commission is taking the whole week! For a list of free commemorative events, click here.
St Joseph Center MLK Day Service
- What: Join AmeriCorps members, community volunteers, youth, and AmeriCorps Alums for a hands-on day of service at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas! Projects include clearing pastures, raking, fencing, cleaning, painting, shed construction, etc. All are invited! Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with Opening Ceremony at 9 a.m. followed by the workday and wrapping up with lunch at 12:30 p.m.
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 8:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m. – St. Joseph Center of Arkansas, 6800 Camp Robinson Rd, North Little Rock, Ark.
MLK Day at the Zoo
- What: Celebrate with us as we honor a man who dedicated his life to making a better world. At the Zoo, we strive each day to work within our community, protect endangered wildlife and improve the future for all species - human and animal. Search the Zoo for Dr. King's quotes with a fun scavenger hunt, reflecting on his messages and the work we can do today! Donate canned food items for the Arkansas Food Bank and receive a discount on your family's admission. (One discount per family)
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. – Little Rock Zoo, 1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, Ark.
MLK March for Unity
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 10–11 a.m. – Conway City Hall, 1201 Oak St, Conway, Ark.
MLK Day Skate
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Arkansas Skatium-Ice and Roller Skating,1311 S Bowman Rd, Little Rock, Ark.
MLK Challenge at Mosaic Templars
- What: MTCC challenges teens (12-18) to use their day off for Martin Luther King Day as a day of service to honor the respected civil rights leader. Those who take the challenge will divide up into service groups, each with a group leader from City Year-Little Rock, to go out and make a difference in the community! Activities will vary from visiting with the elderly to cleaning up the outdoors.
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. –Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W 9th St, Little Rock, Ark.
Philander Smith College 2020 MLK State-Wide Field Trip Day
- What: 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday “A Day Of Impact” will target low-income households and individuals as well as others who may not have certain resources available to them. During the “Celebratory” component, keynote speakers, special guests, musical and theatrical performances all take place in honor of Dr. King. During the “Service” component, which takes place after the “Celebratory” component, each attendee is provided access to a free meal and personal hygiene kit as well.
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 1 p.m., Mims Gymnasium on the campus of Philander Smith College, 900 W Daisy Bates Street, Little Rock, Ark.
2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade
- What: The marade (march/parade) is sponsored by the Little Rock Branch NAACP and the Arkansas State Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. Various entries, such as marching bands, floats, cars, animals will participate.
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m., starting at 33rd & Chester and ending at the Arkansas State Capitol.
37th Annual PBICVR, Inc. Original KingFest Celebration
- What: The Original KingFest (Parade/March) will begin with the lineup at 1 p.m. at Third Avenue and Walnut Street. Grand Parade Marshals are Superintendents Barbara Warren of Dollarway, Jerry Guess of Watson Chapel and Jeremy Owoh of Pine Bluff. Limousines will be provided by Brown, Paradise and Christian Way funeral homes.
- When/Where: Monday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m., 3rd at Walnut Street
