Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20, 2025) serves as a reminder to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by engaging in acts of service and promoting inclusivity within our communities. It is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together, reflect on the progress made, and strive for a more equitable society.
Historical Significance
On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK day honors the incredible achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his tireless efforts in advocating for civil rights and equality. Dr. King was a Baptist minister who fought to end racial segregation through peace and nonviolent means. He became the most influential African American civil rights leader during the 1960s. In addition, he helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited racial discrimination in public facilities, employment and accommodations illegal. Dr. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and was also an important figure in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. (National Museum of African American History & Culture)
Programming & Events
Washington University – Danforth Campus
- Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 5:00pm – Thursday Nights at the Museum – screening of the documentary, “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin”.
- Monday, January 20th from 11:30am-1:30pm in Tisch Commons – Volunteers will be making dental hygiene kits for the Youth and Family Center, care packages for the unhoused, blankets for area animal shelters, and cards for local senior citizens.
- Monday, January 20th from 2:00-3:30pm in Graham Chapel – 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration.
- Speaker: Harvey Fields, PhD, founding Dean and Assistant Professor of Chemistry, College of STEM at Harris Stowe State University
St. Louis
- Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00pm – The 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration Kick-Off Program for Missouri – Harris Stowe State University
- January 18-19, 2025 – MLK Jr Holiday Hoops Tournament for 1st through 8th grade
- Monday, January 20th at 10:00am – MLK Community Celebration – Missouri History Museum
- Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2:30pm – Selections from Selma the Musical: The Untold Stories – Saint Louis Art Museum.