These are the six ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Charlotte
On Monday, the country will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the minister and activist who helped lead the Civil Rights Movement in America.
While the annual MLK Day parade hosted by the City of Charlotte has been canceled due to public health concerns related to COVID-19, there are still plenty of education and service opportunities to commemorate King’s legacy in-person or virtually.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate the holiday this weekend.
Harvey B. Gantt Center.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture said its commemoration of the national holiday in recognition of the civil rights icon will be a “fully virtual event” due to the chances of severe winter weather “and increased health and safety precautions.”
Monday’s slate of events includes children’s book readings, a screening of the animated movie “Our Friend, Martin,” an “interactive art experience” and panel discussions.
Events are scheduled to kick off at 9 a.m. run until 5 p.m.
Check out the full schedule at ganttcenter.org/calendar/mlk-day-2022.
How to watch
The Gantt Center will broadcast Monday’s events online at youtube.com/ganttcenter.
YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Celebrating its 85th anniversary, the McCrorey YMCA is holding a virtual MLK Day celebration featuring prayers, speakers and performances. Proceeds from the event will be used to support organizational programs, including teen leadership development. The event will held from 9-10 a.m., and can be viewed on Facebook, YouTube or YMCACharlotte.org.
Levine Museum of the New South
To honor King’s legacy, the Levine Museum of the New South’s virtual celebration will include singing, dancing and spoken word performances that will focus on the importance of voting rights. The event is from 7-8 p.m. and will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
Day of service in Fort Mill
The Town of Fort Mill is hosting its MLK Call to Service Day, where donations for seven area organizations, including Bethel Men’s Shelter, Fort Mill Care Center and Historic Paradise Foundation, will be collected. Participants are asked to donate Walmart or Lowe’s gift cards, backpacks, new or gently used sneakers, diapers and more. Items can be dropped off at Fort Mill Town Hall, 200 Tom Hall St., from 8 a.m. to noon.
MLK Day of Service: Samaritan’s Feet
Samaritan’s Feet is holding a day of service in honor of King in Charlotte, where volunteers will help sort shoes in their warehouse. Attendees are asked to bring a new pair of athletic shoes or $25 donation to help support the organization’s mission. Those who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine dose, or choose to keep their vaccination status private, are asked to wear a mask. The event is at The Park Church, 4808 Chesapeake Dr., from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A celebration of diversity, equity & inclusion
Cabarrus County’s Actualizing the Dream celebration is designed to highlight the county’s efforts to advance an emerging diverse population.
The full weekend lineup includes MLK Day Dream Day at the Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. at Atrium Health Ballpark, 1 Cannon Baller Way. Attendees can enjoy free food, kickball games with law enforcement and city officials. A “Stuff the Bus” food donation drive and minority business fair will be among other events.
A memorial march and wreath laying ceremony will take place on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to noon, near the Cannon Memorial Library, 27 N. Union St. in Kannapolis.
This story was originally published January 12, 2022 at 5:43 PM.