The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
There are few people in history as notable as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and since many schools and offices are off to honor him on January 16, 2023, I hope you all spend the day living out his legacy with kindness, service, or learning.
Lucky for us, there is no shortage of great things happening, including several FREE events.
Get inspired to get your kiddos thinking critically at one of these great local events and make it a day ON, not just off 😉
2023 MLK Day Events in Southeast Michigan
Watch In Remembrance of Martin at Ann Arbor Public Library {Ann Arbor} — Visit the Pittsfield branch at 6 p.m. to view the 1986 film that depicts personal stories from the civil rights leader’s family and friends FREE.
Visit Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit the Institute for FREE thanks to MASCO Corporation. Pre-register here.
Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum for a FREE celebration {Detroit} — Enjoy FREE museum-wide family activities, including multiple workshops.
Get your march on with the Detroit Historical Museum {Detroit} — Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by marching through the museum’s galleries to pay tribute to the day when Dr. King led 125,000 people down Woodward Avenue in 1963. After, enjoy cupcakes and more! Admission is free. Pre-register here.
Enjoy FREE Admission to The Henry Ford for MLK Day {Dearborn} — Visit THF from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day includes free admission, parking, activities and dramatic presentations.
Sitting inside the infamous Rosa Parks bus inside The Henry Ford is the perfect catalyst for discussing history and the Civil Rights era with kids.
Flint MLK Jr. Celebration {Flint} — Join the Flint Public Library from 2-4 p.m. for a celebratory program of the life and work of Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. This annual program includes keynote speaker, Judge Tabitha M. Marsh, District Court Judge at 67th District Court. FREE.
Celebrate Unity Day at Novi Public Library {Novi} — Children ages 5-10 will gather in the Youth Activity Room from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to make unity crafts, enjoy a Martin Luther King Jr. {kid-friendly} movie, and a breakfast treat. FREE to attend; pre-registration encouraged.
Watch a one-man-show at Howell Carnegie Library {Howell} — Visit the Howell Carnegie Library, in partnership with the Livingston Diversity Council and Huron-Clinton Metroparks, to see Crusader and the Missing Michael, an original one-man show from the Black and Brown Theatre of Detroit. This is an interactive show exploring the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. Using a combination of historical facts and fantasy in storytelling, creator Edmund Jones entertains with an educational and fanciful look at the civil rights icon. A reception, including light refreshments, begins at 5:30 pm before the show starts. The actor and production team will be available to discuss the program after the show. King Crusader and the Missing Michael is appropriate for ages 11 through adult. FREE. Learn more and register here.
If you’d rather stay close to home, visit here to find a volunteer opportunity, try these inexpensive random acts of kindness, or hit up the library! There are so many amazing books highlighting Dr. King’s work.
My absolute favorite book about Dr. King to inspire young readers {Amazon affiliate link}:
How do you celebrate MLK Day in your home?
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