MLK Day: Honoring our Civil Rights Hero in Tacoma

Today marks as a day of service that celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy.  Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community continues with us by serving others with humility and clear intention, bridging barriers and create peaceful resolutions towards a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one’s fellow humans.

Here are local events to honor our civil rights hero:

• The Washington State History Museum

Photo: Washington State Historical Society

Don’t miss the Tacoma Arts Live’s Civil Rights Tour performances of Get on the Bus, at 1:30 and 3:30 PM. Seating is limited.

Onyx Fine Arts Collective artists will teach about their unique styles and visitors can try their hand at making something of their own, from noon to 3:00 PM. Create something to take home!

Explore the exhibition Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. and learn about dozens of African American men who have changed culture and history in our nation.

Printmaking activity in the Write253 Pop Up Print Shop.

Where : 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA

Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission is Free

• The City of Tacoma Presents: Vision 2020 – Beyond the Dream 

Photo: City of Tacoma 

The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee proudly presents a program focusing on the rise of a young African-American leader and her experiences of social injustice. The program will give meaning and a call to action by carrying forward Dr. King’s vision, in which communities are encouraged to live a life of peaceful and meaningful protest to seek a better future for all.

Where: 1500 Commerce St.

Time: Door Opens: 10AM Program starts: 11AM

• Metro Parks: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of CaringPhoto: Metroparks Tacoma

Each year, on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is observed as a “day on, not a day off.”  It’s a way to honor Martin Luther King, Jr’s life and teachings is by engaging in community action that continues to solve our social and environmental problems.

Where: Several locations! Point Defiance, Titlow Park and Center at Norpoint – Register here!

Time: 9AM – 12PM

• UW Tacoma: Unity Breakfast

Photo: University of Washington Tacoma 

The annual MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast recognizes and celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his historic civic leadership that inspired a nation to strive for equality. This gathering honors the message of Dr. King and the progress he continues to inspire.

This year’s theme is “Economic Empowerment: On Our Terms” and our keynote speaker is Denise Fairchild,  the inaugural president of Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

Where: University Y Student Center 1710 Market St.

Time: 8 – 10:30 AM