Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, at 501 Auburn Avenue. For the next twelve years, he lived there with his grandparents, parents, siblings, and other family members. The home is located in the residential section of “Sweet Auburn”, the center of Black Atlanta.
The Civil Rights leader should be honored all year, but we especially want to celebrate him on his nationally celebrated birthday! There are tons of beautiful things happening around Atlanta this year to celebrate, and we’ve curated a list for you!
Check out these 10 incredible ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the city of Atlanta this year.
1. Check out The King Center’s ‘King Holiday Observance’
Where: The King Center
The King Center is the epicenter for all things MLK here in the ATL. It was established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King and is the official memorial dedicated to King’s legacy. For MLK Day, there will be a celebration of his life and accomplishments, with this unmissable event honoring valuable people with awards for working tirelessly to give their chosen communities a better life.
There’s something for everyone with several activities happening throughout the week, from performance art to insightful workshops, story time for kids, and much more. This year, The King Center says, “Our strategic theme for 2024 is ‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.'”
For the full list of events and ways to participate, check out their website.
2. Be ‘Hands On’ at these volunteering opportunities in A-Town
Where: Several locations across the city
Hands On Atlanta are an incredible organization that help the people of Atlanta find volunteer opportunities that are available across the city.
For more information on Hands On ATL and their connection to the 2024 King Holiday, check out their website.
3. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Atlanta History Center
Where: Atlanta History Center
Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his hometown of Atlanta through a variety of educational activities, hosted by the Atlanta History Center.
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in civil rights-themed trivia, crafts, kids activities, panel discussions, and more. A detailed schedule of activities will be emailed to registrants closer to the date.
The event will take place on January 15th, from 10am-4pm. For more information, check out their website!
4. Annual Commemorative Service or visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church
Where: Ebenezer Baptist Church
Martin Luther King Jr.’s local church always makes MLK Day extra special. Located near The King Center, the church will host an enchanting collection of church services honoring the federal holiday, as well as other inspiring events thoughout the upcoming weeks. For the full list of events and more information, check out their website.
5. MLK Day 5K Freedom Run
Looking to kick off the New Year with a charitable fitness boost? The incredible 5K Freedom Run celebrates MLK Day by working with Atlanta area schools, churches, community organizations and businesses to use the race as a fundraiser for their community-oriented initiatives. This 5K walk/run will take place entirely on New Peachtree Road on January 15th 2024.
To register and get more info, check out their website!
6. Children’s Museum of Atlanta MLK Jr. Day Programming
Where: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Head to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta for their informative program honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. for MLK Day! There’s so many awesome activities planned, where you’ll learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and think of ways you can help build a better world. From arts and crafts to a birthday dance party, it’s a great way to educate the kids on all things Martin Luther King Jr.
For more information and to reserve your spot, check out their website!
7. Visit a National Park
One of the many things you could do is visit one of Georgia’s stunning parks. Or head out of state to visit our National Parks for free. In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., national parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 15, 2024, as the first fee free day of the year.
Check out the National Parks Service’s website for more information.
8. Center for Civil & Human Rights
Where: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Join The National Center for Civil and Human Rights to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with activities and programs from Friday, January 12 to MLK Day (Monday, January 15). In celebration of the contributions and efforts of Dr. King, the Center will feature a host of activities for the whole family including a scavenger hunt, games, and giveaways.
The Center will also unveil its newest exhibit from the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection and host their inaugural program, Truth on the Rocks, where they: “combine dancing, cocktails and conversation to connect events of history to today.”
For more about all of the activities happening on MLK Jr. Day, check out their website!
9. Visit Sandy Springs for the MLK Day event
Where: Sandy Springs
There’s a whole day of family-friendly events planned in Sandy Springs for MLK Day. Guests can expect interactive art, story-times for the kids, and a screening of Emmy Award-nominated film, Our Friend, Martin. The event is free for all.
For more information, check out Sandy Springs’ website!
10. Visit the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr.
Where: 501 Auburn Avenue
All of Atlanta is probably aware by now that King’s iconic childhood home in Sweet Auburn is closed until next February, Feb. 2025, for extensive rehabilitation.
But it’s still nice to know that King’s house is still standing right here in Atlanta. When it opens back up to the public, we definitely recommend taking a self-guided tour of the iconic space.