Here are 7 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023 in Charlotte
Americans around the country and in Charlotte will celebrate the life and work of activist and minister Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, events that were once held virtually will be in-person for the Jan. 16 celebrations, giving attendees the chance to interact and learn about King’s impact.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate the holiday in Charlotte:
Harvey B. Gantt Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture is partnering with the Levine Museum of the New South to present the Smithsonian’s Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. exhibition.
Monday’s slate of events includes community-led conversations on how unified efforts led to the success of the Civil Rights Movement, live music performances and quilting workshops for scarves that will be donated to those in need.
Events are scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You can register for free at ganttcenter.org/calendar/mlk-day-2023.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK National Holiday Celebration
The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are hosting the Atrium Health Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration.
On Sunday at 2:30 p.m., a unity march will begin at the intersection of Tryon and Montford Point Street and end at the statue of King in Marshall Park. The march will conclude with a wreath memorial to honor King’s legacy at 3 p.m.
The event will air at 7 p.m. Monday on WBTV, Charlotte’s CBS affiliate. That’s channel 105 on Spectrum, channel 3 on AT&T U-Verse, channel 3 on DISH Network and channel 3 on DIRECTV.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
The theme for YMCA of Greater Charlotte’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration is “Equitable Leadership in Challenging Times” and will feature a panel discussion of local leaders, prayer, music, dancing and a spoken word performance to honor King’s accomplishments.
The event will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., starting at 8 a.m. Tickets are $45 each and can be purchased online at host.nxt.blackbaud.com.
Opera Carolina
Opera Carolina is hosting an MLK concert on Jan. 15 at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E. 5th St., that will feature famous works from African American composers, such as James Weldon Johnson, Robert Owens and Florence Price.
There will be a reception with fellowship and refreshments following the concert.
The event is free and open to all ages. Registration is required.
Davidson honors MLK Day with poetry, music
There will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at Davidson Town Hall, 216 S. Main St., on Jan. 16.
Featured speakers include Davidson College President Douglas Hicks and A.M.E. Zion Church of Davidson Reverend Reginald Coffey. Spoken word and live music performances will also be part of the event, and light refreshments will be served prior to the program.
The event is free and open to the public.
Cabarrus County
Cabarrus County is hosting a weekend-long Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, with the theme of “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere: Holding Fast to the Dream.”
The full weekend lineup includes the MLK DreamDay Parade, which will begin at A.L. Brown High School, 415 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., on Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. DreamDay at Atrium Ballpark and the Keeping the Dream Alive Banquet will be among other events.
MLK Prayer Walk
The Hidden Valley community is hosting an MLK Prayer Walk on Jan. 16 at noon.
The walk will begin at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Rd. Those participating in the walk are asked to be at the recreation center at 11:30 a.m.
This story was originally published January 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Here are 7 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023 in Charlotte."
