Today, January 15th, is the 86th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The holiday in his honor occurs this coming Monday, January 19th, and the upcoming three-day weekend is filled with events to celebrate his contributions to the nation. Here are some ways you and your family can celebrate MLK, Jr. Day in Reston, Northern Virginia, and the D.C area.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015
Reston Community Service Projects
9:00am, Southgate Community Center, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston
As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.” Reston Community Center is partnering with Reston Association, Southgate Community Center, Cornerstones, and The Closet to provide a day of community service projects. Volunteer hours conclude around noon, when volunteers will gather to share a lunch that will be provided. Participation is free, but registration is required through Reston Association. To volunteer, please contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or [email protected].
Reston Community Orchestra Concert
4:00pm, RCC at Hunters Woods, Reston
In this 9th annual memorial tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Reston Community Orchestra will perform the works of African-American composers, as well as works inspired by the civil rights movement for which Dr. King gave his life. New this year is an inspiring performance of Dr. King’s I Have A Dream speech by students from Reston’s Al Fatih Academy. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
Art by Reston Schools Reception
1:30pm, RCC at Hunters Woods, Reston
The creativity of Reston students will be celebrated at this reception. With themes centered on the history of Dr. King and the civil rights movement, the art will be on display from early January through the end of the month. Admission is free.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative March
3:00pm, Lake Anne Plaza, Reston
Community members will assemble at 3:00 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza. Rev. David North will teach a brief history of songs used in the civil rights movement and then lead everyone marching and singing songs to the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. A shuttle bus will run between the two sites from 2:30 p.m. until after the Voices of Inspiration program concludes.
Voices of Inspiration
4:00pm, Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Avenue, Reston
Voices of Inspiration is the 25th Anniversary program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Christian Church and includes many Reston faith communities.
KanKouran West African Dance Company
4:00pm, Dance Place, 3225 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC
KanKouran presents their annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in an electrifying, athletic and family-friendly performance of traditional West African dance and drumming. Tickets are $15-$30.
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
4:00pm, Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD
Step Afrika! is the world’s first professional company dedicated to the percussive dance tradition of stepping. This Martin Luther King Weekend performance features six amazing step teams. Ticket prices start at $25.
Snapshots: Portraits of a World in Transition
8:00pm, CenterStage at RCC at Hunters Woods, Reston
Anna Deavere Smith uses her singular brand of theatre to highlight issues of community, character, and diversity in America. Tickets are $25 for Reston residents and employees, and $50 for non Reston.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015
2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Many locations around the country
Each year, volunteers around the country honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving their neighbors and communities. If you would like to participate in the Day of Service in your community, the All For Good website is a helpful way to find volunteer projects.
Day of Reflection and Service at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
8:00am, Intersection of Independence Ave and West Basin Drive SW in Washington, D.C.
Start the day with a wreath laying ceremony at the MLK Jr. Memorial at the Tidal Basin.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
10:00am-2:00pm, along Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SW in Washington D.C.
This 8th annual peace walk and parade commemorates the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. It includes the Ballou Marching Band and representatives from the area’s Asian, Bolivian, Jamaican and African American communities.
Especially for Youth
11:30am, RCC at Hunters Woods, Reston
Register your school age child (1st – 6th grade) to participate in MLK Day activities. Children will rotate through a series of activities including a performance, an age-appropriate video, and arts and crafts. All activities will be based on the history of Dr. King and the civil rights movement. Participation is free, but registration is required.
Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity – MLK Birthday Celebration
12:00pm, CenterStage at RCC at Hunters Woods
Anna Deavere Smith returns to the CenterStage to deliver the Keynote Address, “Reclaiming Grace in the Face of Adversity.” A Community Lunch immediately follows. Tickets are $5 for Reston residents and employees, and $10 for non Reston.
“Give Together” with Volunteer Fairfax
10:30am, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, or
1:30pm, Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax
In this sixth-annual family volunteer event, adults and kids can participate in service activities, such as assembling emergency preparedness kits and creating gifts bags for kids, at one of two locations in Fairfax County. Participation is free, but registration is required.
Washington National Cathedral’s MLK Celebration
2:00-4:00pm, National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC.
The Cathedral will host a celebration to honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and continue his vision through music and poetry presented by the Cathedral and DC’s performing arts community. Attendees are asked to bring a new children’s book or non-perishable food item to donate.
Let Freedom Ring Choir
6:00pm, Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The concert features Grammy Award–winning singer Natalie Cole and also includes the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Admission is free, on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be given away up to two per person in line at the entrance to the Hall of Nations at 5 p.m. on Mon., Jan. 19.
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