2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Events
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin joins community partners and organizations in their celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King and his message of nonviolence and the fight for civil rights for all had a tremendous impact on the world. Dr. King also helped to break the back of segregation in Birmingham.
“We are reaping the benefits of his work,” Mayor Woodfin said. “It is because of his life’s work that I, a young black man, can be mayor of the city of Birmingham.”
As a reminder, City of Birmingham offices, except for 911, police, and fire, will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
***Check back on this site often for newly added events***
Saturday, January 13
MLK 5K Drum Run
Saturday, Jan. 13 at 7 a.m.
The MLK Day 5K Drum Run will feature people running and walking as Birmingham high school drum lines play along the route. Advance registration is encouraged. Onsite registration will be at 7 a.m. The 5K/10K starts at 8 a.m. The One Mile Fun Run and Walk will start at 9 a.m. It will start at History Park, 1700 Fourth Ave. North, across from Carver Theatre.
Website: https://www.mlkday5kbham.com/
Sponsored by Leftover Energy Foundation Inc.
Contact: Race Director Herman Mannings III at 470-444-9844 or send emails to info@leftoverenergy.com to register your drumline by Thursday, Jan. 11.
Birmingham Squadron MLK Celebration Weekend
Saturday, Jan. 13, and Monday, Jan. 15 at Legacy Arena
The Birmingham Squadron will wear specialty jerseys to help recognize and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The jersey features a black torso design and a Birmingham Black Barons logo on the chest above the number. The Birmingham skyline is outlined across the shorts.
Two games for one price.
Website: www.bhamsquadron.com
Sunday, January 14
I Have a Dream Virtual Run
January 14 – 31
Participants can run or walk on their own time in memory of King. Pledges will help support the Equal Justice Initiative.
Click link for more information.
Sponsored by Virtual Run Events powered by Moon Joggers
MLK I Am the Dream Celebration
Sunday, Jan. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Barrett Elementary School Auditorium, 7601 Division Ave.
More than 200 books to be given to students in celebration of MLK’s birthday. King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the fraternity is slated to present a step show for the students.
Presented by the Birmingham Community Affairs Committee
Contact Aaron Carlton at 205-585-6463 for more information.
Monday, January 15
The Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast
Monday, Jan. 15. Doors open at 6:30 a.m. The MLK Choir will sing from 7 to 7:30 a.m.
The 38th annual breakfast will be held at Birmingham Southern’s Norton Student Center in the Bruno Great Hall.
Sponsored by an organization known as the Birmingham Community Affairs Committee.
There are two ticket prices this year. If attendees want to be in the room with the event and have a full breakfast, the price is $63. If attendees prefer to pay a lesser price for the event, organizers are offering a $25 ticket, which provides a Continental breakfast and seating in a different room for attendees to watch the program on a screen.
For tickets, contact Aaron Carlton at 205-585-6463.
MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Monday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. in Kelly Ingram Park.
Presented by Iota Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Third Annual MLK Oratorical Scholarship Brunch
Monday, Jan. 15 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
This event will feature Dr. Cornel West and provide scholarships to high school students.
Tickets are available here.
Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Lambda Chapter
Location: The Parthenon
MLK Jr. Day Family Swim
Monday, Jan. 15 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Free Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School in Hoover
More information is available here.
Sponsored by Goldfish Swim School
UAB Black Alumni Network MLK Day of Serve and Social
Monday, Jan. 15 from 3 to 6 p.m.
UAB Black Alumni Network will collect donated items to give to UAB students. Participants are invited to stay to socialize and get to know members.
Items accepted: toilet paper, paper towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, washcloths, towels, feminine hygiene products, lotion, deodorant, razors for men and women, body wash for men and women, manilla folders, binders, and school supplies (loose leaf paper/writing tablets, calendars/planers, copy paper, pens, pencils, and index cards).
Website: UAB Black Alumni Network MLK Day of Serve and Social – The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Sponsored by UAB Black Alumni Network
Location: Lit on 8th
Free MLK Day at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Monday, Jan. 15. Free admission at BCRI, 520- 16th St. North.
Website: www.bcri.org
Sponsored by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
MLK Beloved Community Service Day
Monday, Jan. 15
UAB students will join Birmingham citizens on community service projects. Pre-registration is required for this event. For waiver details, event information, and disability accommodations, contact getinvolved@uab.edu or call 205-934-8020.
Website: https://www.uab.edu/students/involvement/community-service/volunteerism/mlk-beloved-community
Sponsored by UAB Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and Live HealthSmart Alabama
MLK Day of Service in the Fourth Avenue Business District
Monday, Jan. 15 at 8 a.m.
Volunteers will clean up streets, parks, and public spaces in a joint effort for change.
Registration link: https://signup.com/go/UhnFiTv
Sponsored by Urban Impact, Inc.
V 94.9 WATV Inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Brunch Celebration
Monday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Uptown Jazz Lounge, 2250 – B Ninth Ave. North
Click link for admission tickets.
Sponsored by V 94.9
MLK Day of Service at BCRI
Monday, Jan. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. at BCRI
Join YouthServe at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for a day of service honoring Dr. King! Open to youth volunteers (ages 13-18) to serve as guides for the BCRI’s MLK Day activities, ushering visitors through exhibits and acting as crowd control. Two different volunteer shifts are available.
Click link for more information.
Sponsored by YouthServe, Inc.
MLK Paint Day!
Monday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Studio 2500 at 2500 – 26th Ave. North.
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with vibrant paint, good vibes and artistic expression during a painting activity of a pre-outlined drawing. Discussion about King to follow.
Free and open to the public. Click link to register in advance.
Sponsored by Willie Williams of Studio 2500.
Call: 205-470-9530.
Birmingham Cleanup-District 1 MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rebirth Christian Fellowship, 700 – 23rd Ave. NW, Center Point
Click link for more information.
Sponsored by Black Warrior Riverkeeper
A.G. Gaston Motel Will Be Open
Self-guided tours and details on MLK’s stay at the hotel in 1963 will be available on Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additional information about the motel can be found here. The motel is located at 1510 Fifth Ave. North.
Sponsored by the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument
Motel phone number: 205-617-1816
The Negro Southern League Museum Will Be Open
Self-guided tours on Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The address is 120 – 16th St. South
Website: www.birminghamnslm.org
Contact: 205-581-3040
Martin Luther King Indoor Track Classic
Monday, Jan. 15. Doors open at 7 a.m. Session 1 will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Session 2 will start at 2:30 p.m.
Featuring high school track athletes from Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Event will include a unity walk around the track and MLK recognition after the 60-meter dash.
Birmingham CrossPlex, 2340 CrossPlex Blvd.
Admission: Adults, $10; 65 years and old, $5; Students are free
Parking: $10
I Am The Dream
Monday, Jan. 15. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Local students will present a collection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speech excerpts, poems and songs that reflect, honor and pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. King.
Free and open to the public.
Presented by the Make It Happen Theatre Co.
Tuesday, January 16
UAB African-American Faculty Association’s MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony
Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 3 p.m.
Steps of UAB Heritage Hall, 1401 University Blvd.
The public is invited to this free event, where words will be spoken about Dr. King, music will play, and UAB AAFA members will lay a wreath in his memory.
Wednesday, January 17
Cities and the Civil Rights Movement: Atlanta and Birmingham
Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. Virtual event.
A conversation about how cities can facilitate or hinder human rights movements. By discussing the civil rights movement in Birmingham and Atlanta, speakers will shed light on how city governments, civil society leaders, and urban geographies can advance or obstruct racial justice and human rights.
Sponsored by UAB Departments of Anthropology, History, and Political Science and Public Administration and the African-American Studies Program.
Zoom link: https://uab.zoom.us/j/7786271087?omn=83879264663
Thursday, January 18
The Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration at UAB
Thursday, Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The event will offer lunch to the first 100 guests. The 2024 commemoration features performances by the Miles College Golden Voices Choir and a poetry reading by City of Birmingham Poet Laureate Salaam Green. A panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Raegan Durant, associate dean for Diversity and Inclusion in the Heersink School of Medicine, and André Lessears, MBA, chief diversity officer for UAB Medicine. It will feature Ed Fields, senior advisor and chief strategist for the City of Birmingham; DeWayne Bailey, director of the UAB Alabama Rural Health Collaborative; and Dr. Audra Williams, associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Website: UAB Black Alumni Network MLK Day of Serve and Social – The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Sponsored by UAB Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion and UAB Medicine’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Location: Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium
Sunday, January 21
Solutions’ Anniversary and Appreciation Day for Volunteers in Honor of MLK
Sunday, Jan. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Solutions, which is a student-led non-violent program designed to promote conflict-resolutions with pre-teens, teens and young adults, will display its Peace Gallery and highlight its volunteers and contributors.
Audrey’s Restaurant, 10 – Sixth Ave. South
