LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known for doing many great things, including helping organize the famous March on Washington where he made his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. That march led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 just one year later. Dr. King was even awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his involvement in the leadership of the civil rights movement.
Now as a way to honor his legacy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed each year on the third Monday in the month of January.
This year the day is extra special because it falls on January 15, 2024, which is what would have been Dr. King's 95th birthday.
Several events are being held in central Arkansas as a way to celebrate and honor the legacy that was left behind by Dr. King.
Here's a list of those local events:
Little Rock
Where: William E. Thrasher Boys & Girls Club located at 3301 S. State St.
When: Monday, January 15 at 11:00 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held on Saturday, February at 9:00 a.m.
What: Join in picking up litter for one mile on both sides of S. Arch St. with Keep Little Rock Beautiful. Pick up cleanup area assignments and supplies at the organization's blue tent. Volunteers are recommended to age 16 and older. Wear sturdy shoes appropriate clothes, and gloves.
Where: First Missionary Baptist Church located at 701 S. Gaines St.
When: Thursday, January 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
What: Join the community in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with leaders and community members from Little Rock and Central Arkansas. Nationally recognized speaker, BerThaddaeus Bailey, will also perform a reenactment of
Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
Where: Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5722 West 12th Street
When: Postponed due to winter weather. Day and time will be announced at a later date.
What: The public is welcome and encouraged to join Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., the Little Rock Board of Directors and other city officials and faith leaders as Arkansas's capital city reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.
Where: Arkansas Skatium located at 1311 S. Bowman Rd.
When: Monday, January 15 at 11:00 a.m.
What: Enjoy free admission and $12 skate rentals all day.
Where: Rock Region Metro bus routes
When: All day Monday, January 15
What: Ride the bus for free in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: Little Rock Zoo located at 1 Zoo Dr.
When: Monday, January 15 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
What: Join the Little Rock Zoo in honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy as they work to make our world a better place for all species— and humans.
North Little Rock
Where: St. Joseph Center of Arkansas located at 702 S. Victory St.
When: Monday, January 15 from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
What: Join in on the annual "Day ON, Not a Day OFF!" Saint Joseph's will partner with the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists to do projects in and around the campus. Sign up here.
Where: University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College at CHARTS Theater on the Main Campus
When: Wednesday, January 24 at 11 a.m.
What: A reception in the CHARTS lobby at 10 a.m. will precede the panel. Panelists include Dr. Terrence Roberts of the Little Rock Nine; Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton, Psychologist; and UA-PTC Instructor of History Brenda Bradley. UA-PTC Assistant Teaching Professor of Computer Science Mayo Johnson will moderate the discussion and the following Q&A session.
Rev. Cecil Gibson will recite Rev. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the beginning of the program. The event is free and open to the public.
Where: Lakewood United Methodist Church of North Little Rock located at 1922 Topf Rd.
When: Monday, January 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
What: The Mac Center and Lakewood UMC invite the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a special birthday celebration.
Hot Springs
Where: Hot Springs National Park located at 341 Central Ave.
When: Saturday, January 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
What: Spend the morning giving back to your community and cleaning up plants on the Arlington Lawn. Long pants and sturdy, close-toed shoes are recommended. Bug and tick spray will be available, but bring your own sunscreen and water bottles if you need them. Cold spring water will be given to refill your bottle.