x
Breaking News
More () »

LIST | Martin Luther King Jr. Day, weekend events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday marking the birth date of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States holiday marking the birth date of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. He was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. 

To honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr., local organizations have put together celebrations for the holiday weekend.

Mayor to Host City's First Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Program

  • What: In observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. will host the first City of Little Rock Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Program. As an important leader in the civil rights movement, Dr. King campaigned against racial inequity through nonviolent resistance. This program seeks to further unite Little Rock, by not only observing his legacy, but also engaging elected officials and community members.

    Pulaski Circuit and County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth, and former Arkansas State Senator Bill Walker will serve as emcees. The program will feature prayers and music by a diverse group of Little Rock pastors, choirs and soloists. Mayor Scott will give remarks. Dr. Maurice Watson, senior pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Largo, Maryland, is the keynote speaker. The public is invited to attend.

  • When, Where: Sunday, Jan. 20, 3:00 p.m., St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2501 S. Main Street, Little Rock, Ark.

35th Annual Original KingFest Celebration (OKFC) schedules activities for Pine Bluff Jefferson County 

  • What: (Pine Bluff, Arkansas) - Pine Bluff native and National Football League Hall of Fame member Willie Roaf has been tapped to serve as the keynote speaker for Justice Sunday, January 20th, and he will be the 35th annual Grand Parade Marshal for the Original KingFest Parade/Marade during activities scheduled for Jan. 15-21, in Pine Bluff. The Original KingFest Celebration honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while promoting interracial cooperation, community service, and an appeal for mentors. All activities are open to the public and there is no charge to participate or attend events.

  • When, Where: Friday, January 18, 6 p.m. – PBICVR Original KingFest Celebration Youth/Young Adult Gospel Extravaganza at the New Saint Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 South Ohio St., Pine Bluff, Ark.

    Saturday, Jan. 19 – Original KingFest Celebration Youth/Adult Community Service Day in partnership with the city of Pine Bluff

    Sunday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m. - The Justice Sunday Commemoration Program to be held at Family Church Pine Bluff Campus, 2309 South Poplar St.

    Monday, Jan. 21, 2 p.m. – 35th Annual PBICVR ORIGINAL KingFest Celebration

**A brief youth led educational program for kids to be held in the Pine Bluff Convention Center after the MLK Parade/Marade 

Celebrate & Remember Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • What: For more information, please contact Rec. Benny Johnson, (501)- 541-1951

  • When, Where: Temple of Restoration Church of God in Christ, 10610 Chicot Rd. Mabelvale AR 72103

Free MLK Eye Exams

  • What: On Monday, a day set aside to honor a visionary, vision is the priority of a group of volunteer doctors and students at the UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute.

    UAMS will be providing free comprehensive eye exams and glasses to local students who had failed school-administered eye screenings. Some of which can't even see the big E on the eye chart.

    Thousands of Arkansas students fail their annual eye screenings at school and don't ever receive a comprehensive follow-up examination, much less treatment.

    To make the free exams more accessible, the UAMS Center for Diversity Affairs has arranged shuttles so parents could drop their children off at school normally closed on the MLK holiday, and the kids were transported to the UAMS campus for their eye exams and returned to school after.

  • When, Where: Monday, Jan. 21, 10-11:30 a.m., UAMS Jones Eye Institute

Mega Kingfest 

  • What: Free food, haircuts, employment services, health screenings, coat drive. The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is proud to promote the state's official King Holiday events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    The 2019 "A Day of Service" Mega Kingfest is the largest day of service in the nation honoring Dr. King and will include the following service and arts projects: Free bus rides through partnership with Rock Region Metro, band showcase, coat drive, blood drive, free haircuts, vendor showcase, free meals, hygiene kits, health screenings, free legal services, international performing arts showcase.

    Entertainment by national artists youth rap sensation Zay Hilfigerrr, rhythm and blues legend Angela Winbush, Grammy-award winning gospel artist Melvin Williams of the Williams Brothers.

  • When, Where: Monday, Jan. 21, doors open at 2:00 p.m., program begins at 3:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public at Philander Smith College, 900 W Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, Ark., Mims Gymnasium. 

National Documentary Screening of Hope and Fury: MLK The Movement and The Media 

  • When, Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Lunch reception 11:00 a.m. and Movie Screening 12:00 p.m., Philander Smith College, M.L. Harris Auditorium  

Little Rock Zoo celebrates MLK Day with Caring & Sharing

  • What: Discount Admission with Food Bank Donation, all day long at the Zoo guests can bring a non-perishable food item and receive $2 off any Zoo admission. Donation bins have been set up at the Zoo’s front gate to collect food items.

    Quote Scavenger Hunt, a scavenger hunt has been set up throughout the Zoo with famous quotes of Dr. King’s. Guests can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the front entry and match the missing words on the sheet with quotes posted throughout the Zoo.

    Caring for Elephants, guests can join zookeepers at 1:30 p.m. at the elephant habitat to create and help distribute enrichment treats for the elephants. Guests will then have the opportunity to watch the Zoo’s elephants enjoy their special treats.

  • When, Where: Monday, Jan. 21, Little Rock Zoo, 1 Zoo Dr,, Little Rock, Ark. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out