Martin Luther King Weekend: How to Honor and Celebrate

1.13.15

LA has plenty of ways to honor Dr. King this weekend. Here are our picks:

selma

WATCH SELMA: It was Oprah’s efforts that got this film made, and she plays a quiet, powerful role of a simple woman who fights for her rights. Nominated for four Golden Globes, director Ava DuVernay’s Selma tells the riveting story of one relatively underexplored but pivotal part of the Civil Rights Movement. The voting rights marches lead by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders in Selma, Alabama during 1965 saw incredible struggle, but paved the way for incredible gains. Learn more about the film here, and see it in a theater near you.

MARCH: The Pasadena Museum of California Art and All Saints Church are joining forces to host Get With The Action: A Community Arts Festival on Saturday, January 17 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., families are invited to participate in art activities, a procession complete with music, and a picnic lunch. See the press release for more details.

CREATIVE FOR YOUNGSTERS: On Monday, January 19 at 9:30 AM, Kidspace Museum honors MLK’s legacy with a day devoted to international cultural performances, activities, and storytelling, including the California Step Association. Go here for more information.

OFFICIAL PARADE: Presented by the Congress of Racial Equality of California, the 30th Annual Kingdom Day Parade will take place starting at 10:45 AM at MLK Blvd and Vermont Ave on Monday, January 19. Come celebrate love, respect, and the spirit to continue the struggle for equal rights.

MUSICAL CELEBRATION: As part of The Music Center’s World City performance roster, two renowned artists will perform on Saturday, January 17. Samite, one of East Africa’s most acclaimed flutists, will share his gift of music while Afro-fusion/Afro-jazz band H’Sao takes a more full bodied approach with their gospel, soul, R&B, and reggae sounds.

CA AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSUEM: What better place to be on MLK Day than the California African American Museum? A community celebration on Monday, January 19 between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM begins with the Kingdom Day Parade and continues with film screenings, art workshops, and live performances. See the website for details.