Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it's important to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. King. Dr. King's message of peace, justice, and equality remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. His dream, deeply rooted in the American dream, challenges us to pursue a future where all individuals have the opportunity to realize their potential, free from the barriers of prejudice and discrimination.

-Ujima 

34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast

UNCF and General Mills are hosting the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast–returning in person–as a community to honor Dr King’s life and legacy. Dr. Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair, professor, and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, will lead a moderated conversation with author, literary advocate, and cultural influencer Marley Dias.

The event will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on January 15, 2024.

January 13

MLK Weekend – Faith in the Midst of Conflict: A Palestinian Perspective as An Israeli Citizen
9:30-11:30 a.m. @ Calvary Church, 2608 Blaisdell Ave. S., Mpls.
Marah Sarji, a Christian from Nazareth and Ph.D. student at Princeton Theological Seminary, will join a discussion about faith in the midst of conflict and offer experiences and perspectives, both personal and theological. A continental breakfast will be provided. RSVP to connect@calvarychurchmpls.org. For more info, visit bit.ly/FaithInConflictMLK

One Dream, One Minnesota Career Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m. @ St. Paul Armory, 600 Cedar St., St. Paul
This career fair serves as an opportunity to showcase the jobs and career paths available within Minnesota’s state government and reinforces the state’s commitment to fostering a thriving and dynamic workforce. Job seekers will be able to engage with state agency recruiters and subject matter experts. Classes on resume tips and career management will also be offered.
This event is open to the public. For more info, and to pre-register, visit bit.ly/MLKJobFair2024

MLK Solidarity March: Fighting for the Dream!
2-5 p.m. @ St. Paul Police Department, West District, 389 Hamline Ave., St. Paul
Community members will gather and demand justice in memory of Marcus Golden, who was shot and killed by St. Paul police in 2015. For more info, visit bit.ly/MLKSolidarityMarch

January 14

Annual MLK Holiday of Service: Our Origins Travel Onward
1:15-4:30 p.m. @ Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd., Golden Valley
All are welcome to Sweet Potato Comfort Pie’s annual Martin Luther King celebration. This year’s theme is “Our Origins Travel Onward.” There will be a pie procession, presentations, awards, and facilitated conversations about racial justice among participants—all done in the spirit of Ubuntu to remind us that each of us is who we are because of our beloved community. This is a hybrid event. For more info and to register to attend virtually, visit bit.ly/SweetPotatoComfort2024.

43rd Annual U of M Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
3 p.m. @ Ted Mann Concert Hall, 432 Morrill Hall, 100 Church St. S.E., Mpls.
This year’s theme, “The March Continues,” builds on last year’s 60th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and the partnership with the DREAM Initiative. Curated by U of M alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, the program blends King’s words with reflections and musical performances.
This year’s concert will also feature MARTIN, a life-size fabricated structure capped by a hand-cast 40 lb. bronze bell created by local artist Bill Jeter. The event is free and open to all. This concert will be live-streamed. For more info, visit diversity.umn.edu/MLKTribute.

January 15

2024 MLK Holiday Tribute Events in the Twin Ports
7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Various locations
The Duluth NAACP’s MLK celebrations return with in-person events throughout the MLK holiday. The festivities kick off with a community breakfast at 7 a.m., a brief local program, and a broadcast of UNCF’s MLK Holiday Breakfast keynote address. The breakfast takes place at First United Methodist Church, located at 230 E. Skyline Parkway in Duluth.
Following the march, a gathering will take place from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the Washington Center gym, located at 310 N. 1st Ave. W. (entrance between 3rd and 4th St. on 1st Ave. West). The celebration continues with a rally from 12-1:30 p.m. at DECC-Symphony Hall, located at 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth. These events are free. For more info, go to duluthnaacp.org/mlk.

2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast
7:30-9:30 a.m. @ Minneapolis Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A, 1301 2nd Ave. S., Mpls.
With the theme of “Leading Onward,” this annual breakfast benefits the UNCF Twin Cities to support local students of color to attend college and member HBCUs. The keynote speaker will be Marley Dias, an activist, author, contributor, cultural influencer, speaker, founder and producer known for her passionate advocacy for representation across mediums. Entertainment will be provided by Known and Nunnabove. For more info, visit www.mlkbreakfast.com.

Northeast Metro MLK Jr. Community Event
8-11 a.m. @ 3737 Bellaire Ave., White Bear Lake
Following a live stream of the 34th Annual Twin Cities Dr. MLK Jr. Holiday Breakfast, a local program led by the students of the Black Student Union at White Bear Lake High School will take place. Students of the Black Multicultural Society at Century College will join them. This free program includes music, personal stories, poetry, skits, and a panel discussion led by Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt. For more info, visit bit.ly/NortheastMetroMLK2024.

State of Minnesota presents the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration
10:30 a.m. @ The Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul
The Council on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday invites Minnesotans of all ages to the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration events sponsored by U.S. Bank.
Hosted by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, in collaboration with Chief Equity Officer Dr. Stephanie Burrage, this free event features keynote speaker Caroline A. Wanga, CEO of Essence Ventures, and special guest entrepreneur Houston White Jr. The 2024 Champion of Change Award recipients will also be recognized. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with activities in the foyer. ASL interpreting and captioning services will be provided for the event. For more info, visit ordway.org/events/mlk-holiday-celebration.