D.C. is gearing up for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Weekend, which celebrates the memory of the icon and his role in the fight for civil rights and racial equality.
Residents are urged to show their values during the celebration by volunteering to help neighbors and communities in need.
Other activities taking place in commemoration of the slain civil rights leader’s Jan. 15 birthday:
“Let Freedom Sing”
Sunday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
The musical celebration honors the life and legacy of King.
Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk
Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m.
The two-mile walk, which begins at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE and ends at the Barry Farm Recreation Center, is held annually on the federal MLK holiday and coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, a group of individuals and nonprofits dedicated to peace and positivity in D.C. metropolitan communities.
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Monday, Jan. 15, noon
The parade will begin from Good Hope Road near the Anacostia Park entrance in southeast D.C. and continue along MLK Avenue to the Barry Farm Recreation Center on Sumner Road, where the MLK Holiday Festival and Health Fair will be underway.
“Let Freedom Ring!”
Monday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The musical tribute to King will feature renowned singer/actress Vanessa L. Williams, as well as the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Free tickets will be distributed the day of the event, beginning at 4:30 p.m., for up to two people in line on a first-come, first-served basis.