By: Sherifat A. Mohammed 

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January 20, 2025 will mark  Martin Luther King Jr. day , a federal holiday, a day used to remember and observe the legacy of the civil rights activist. The holiday is usually celebrated

on the third Monday of January. This particular  holiday should not be treated as just another  day off but a "day on," encouraging individuals to engage in service, reflection, and action to continue Dr. King’s mission of creating a just society. ATL Plus Magazine has five things lined up for you to check out in Atlanta to celebrate MLK Day. 

How did MLK become a Federal Holiday

The Martin Luther King Jr., day was established as a federal holiday in 1983, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed in 1986. It became a day for Americans to reflect on the progress made in civil rights and the work that remains. Dr. King’s vision of a "Beloved Community" — a society where people of all races, backgrounds, and beliefs live in harmony and mutual respect — serves as the guiding principle for this day of remembrance. In 1994, Congress designated MLK Day as a national day of service, encouraging citizens to use the holiday as an opportunity to volunteer and give back to their communities. From food drives to mentorship programs and community clean-ups, millions of Americans honor King’s legacy by making a positive impact in their local communities.

Dr. King once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” While significant strides have been made since the civil rights era, challenges remain. Issues such as racial inequality, economic disparity, and social injustice persist, underscoring the importance of continuing Dr. King’s work.

MLK Day serves as a reminder that each of us has a role in creating a more equitable society. Whether by advocating for social change, educating ourselves and others, or participating in service projects, we can honor King’s legacy and move closer to realizing his dream. 

How to Celebrate MLK Day

There are countless ways to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day meaningfully:

• Participate in a day of service: Volunteer at local charities, food banks, or schools.
• Attend events: Many cities host marches, parades, and community gatherings in honor of Dr. King.
• Learn and reflect: Watch documentaries, read his speeches, or discuss his work with friends and family.
• Advocate for change: Support initiatives that promote equity and justice in your community.

If you want to get out and truly celebrate MLK Day this year, here are five events to check out in Atlanta.

1). 2025 King Holiday at The King Center 

Date: Jan 20, Commemorative Service- 9 am; King Center Events- 11 am. 

This year the center’s strategic theme for 2025 is ‘Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365′. The center states that “This theme defines the 2025 King Holiday Observance events and programming while serving as a compass for all the work we will do this upcoming calendar year and beyond.” Their annual commemorative service will be at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and will feature keynote speaker Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. The event will also be streamed live on Fox5 Atlanta.

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2). MLK Day at the Atlanta History Center

MLK Event: Jan. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

This event is a couple days ahead of MLK Day, however you can start celebrating a little ahead of time. This year the Atlanta History Center’s theme is "She Shall Not Be Moved” The theme centers around the women who were involved in the civil rights movement. They celebrate the women who shaped the civil rights movement through panel discussions, exhibits, trivia, and kids’ activities. Free admission.

One woman who helped shape the civil rights movement, alongside her husband, was Coretta Scott King. 

Born on April 27, 1927, in Heiberger, Alabama, Coretta Scott grew up in a small rural community during the height of Jim Crow laws. Despite systemic barriers, her family emphasized education and resilience. Coretta excelled academically, earning a scholarship to Antioch College in Ohio, where she studied music and education. Her passion for music, particularly as a mezzo-soprano vocalist, would later become a powerful tool for advocacy.

After graduating from Antioch, Coretta pursued further studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. It was there that she met Martin Luther King Jr., a theology student at Boston University. The two quickly bonded over shared ideals of justice and faith, marrying in 1953.

Coretta Scott King stands as one of the most influential figures in American history, a woman whose resilience, grace, and unwavering commitment to justice made her a beacon of hope and change. While she is often recognized as the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta's contributions to civil rights and social justice extend far beyond her role as a supportive partner. Her life's work continues to inspire generations in the ongoing fight for equality.

When Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a leader of the civil rights movement, Coretta was by his side, not as a shadow but as an active participant. She balanced her roles as a mother and an advocate, often using her musical talents to raise awareness. Her concerts, which she described as "Freedom Concerts," combined music, poetry, and narratives of the civil rights struggle to raise funds for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Following Martin’s assassination in 1968, Coretta’s resolve to continue their shared mission only strengthened. She took the helm of the civil rights movement, advocating for nonviolent protest and expanding her activism to include global human rights, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-apartheid efforts.

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In 1968, Coretta founded the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (commonly known as the King Center) in Atlanta, Georgia. She was the main pioneer behind getting her late husband's birthday recognized as a federal holiday. 

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3). Morehouse College- MLK Day of Service

MLK Day of Service: Jan. 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Massey Conference Center

It is well-known that Martin Luther King, Jr. was an alumnus of Morehouse College. The historically black-college played a significant role in shaping Martin Luther King Jr.'s intellectual and spiritual development. The college’s emphasis on leadership, critical thinking, and social justice helped lay the foundation for his future as a global leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Morehouse College remains proud of its connection to King, often highlighting his legacy as a graduate who embodied the school's mission of producing men of consequence.

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4). Westside Future Fund MLK Day Service 

MLK Day of Service: Jan. 20

The Westside Future Fund will have numerous volunteer opportunities including park cleanups, property restoration, and school beautification projects in Atlanta’s historic Westside.

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5). The King Day March and Rally

March and Rally: Jan. 20, 12 p.m.

Interfaith Children’s Movement have joined forces with the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda to participate in their annual King Day March and Rally. The starting location for the march is the intersection of John Portman Boulevard NW and Peachtree Street. The rally will begin at 1:30pm. The march starts moving at 12:00 pm sharp. The march will end at the King Center. The route for the march is approximately around 1.4 miles. 

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As we all celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., let's also remember that in addition to his civil rights activism, he was a man–an extraordinary one.  Here are five little known facts about him. 

1. He considered a career in medicine or law.

• Before deciding to follow in his father’s footsteps and enter the ministry, King thought about becoming a doctor or lawyer.

2. He was the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the time.

• In 1964, at age 35, King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He donated the $54,123 prize money to the civil rights movement.

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3. He won a Grammy posthumously.

• In 1971, King was awarded a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording for his speech “Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam.”

4. He was a Trekkie.

• King was a fan of the original "Star Trek" series. He encouraged actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura, to stay on the show because of her role as a e.

5. He has a day named after him in Japan.

• In Hiroshima, Japan, there is a "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" observed every year on his birthday, reflecting his impact on global peace movements.

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King’s life and legacy go beyond the well-known milestones, with many of these lesser-known details highlighting his humanity, struggles, and extraordinary impact.

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As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us remember that the fight for equality is not over. Dr. King’s dream of a world free from injustice and inequality requires dedication and collective effort. By embodying his principles of love, nonviolence, and justice, we can ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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This year, let MLK Day be more than a commemoration; let it be a call to action. Together, we can honor Dr. King’s life and work by making a tangible difference in our communities and striving to build the world he envisioned.

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