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, other family members, and borders. The home is located in the residential section of “Sweet Auburn”, the center of Black Atlanta.
Hence why there’s so many beautifully intrinsic things going on every year in Atlanta for Martin Luther King Day! Not only is it a federal holiday in the States honoring his birthday, but it’s a day to promote kindness, tolerance, and equality, as well as celebrate and protect the Civil Rights Movement. Here are nine things going on for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, here in the ATL.
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 to a service at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Click here for more information and the full line-up.
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. Click here to visit their website and find out what volunteering opportunities are currently on offer.
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, including simulations, crafts, and more. The event is free with entry, but registration or a day pass required. The special event will be taking place on the 16th of January. Click here for more information on this unmissable event.
4. Annual Commemorative Service or visit the Ebenezer Baptist Church
Where: Ebenezer Baptist Church
Martin Luther King’s local church always make 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, visit 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 17th 2022. Click here for more information and registration.
6. Oakland Cemetery
Where: Oakland Cemetery
The historic Oakland Cemetery are hosting several events honoring MLK day. From an unmissable tour exploring the history, lives, and labors of Atlanta’s African American women to a tour of the grounds with a Civil Rights focus (reservations are required). Click here for more information and booking your spot.
7. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
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 and think of ways you can help build a better world. From arts and crafts to a MLK Celebration Parade, it’s a great way to educate the kids on all things Martin Luther King Jr.
8. 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. To honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, National Park Service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 16, 2023, as the first fee free day of the year. Click here for more information.
9. Center for Civil & Human Rights
Where: National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Atlanta’s home to the the best Civil Rights museum of its kind. And what better time to visit that on Martin Luther King Day? Explore the insightful space and learn all about the Civil Rights Movement, and Atlanta’s crucial role in its origins and functionality. They’ll be hosting an all-weekend event with activities throughout, click here for more information.
10. Visit Sandy Springs for the MLK Day event
Where: Sandy Springs
There’s a whole day of family-fun planned in Sandy Springs for MLK Day. From crafty activities to story-time and beyond, click here for more information on this great option for honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with the whole family.
11. Visit those MLK landmarks or take your own self-guided tour of Atlanta!
Where: All over the ATL!
There’s so many stories worth sharing, supporting or discovering this Martin Luther King. Jr Day, including and beyond MLK! Click here for our self-guided tour of the ATL’s Black history, perfect for this MLK weekend! When it comes to specific MLK things to do, visit his Birth Home, or the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. There’s even a semi-new monument of the Civil Rights icon by the Mercedes Benz Stadium near Centennial Yards.