MLK Day events, observances happening in January

By Collin Kelley

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed Jan. 17 and local organizations will honor the civil rights leader’s legacy with programs, volunteer events, and an annual 5K run. These were the events announced at press time, so be sure to visit AtlantaIntownPaper.com for additional MLK Day events.

The King Center

The King Center in Sweet Auburn will host a series of events beginning Jan. 10 and concluding with the annual commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church. There will be a number of virtual events including summits on teaching nonviolence to youth, a global community summit, youth book reading, service projects, and the Beloved Community Awards. Gymnast Simone Biles will be presented with the Yolanda D. King Higher Ground Award during the ceremony. For a full schedule of events, visit the kingcenter.org.

MLK Days of Service

Hands On Atlanta is organizing 75 community service projects from Jan. 13-17 as part of its observance of MLK Day. The nonprofit will partner with The King Center, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Morehouse College, The Atlanta History Center, and Points of Light for an MLK Day collective that will feature special events Jan. 10-20. Some of those events including clothing drive, a human rights film festival, wheelchair restoration project, creating food-producing garden, and much more. Visit handsonatlanta.org for more details.

MLK Day 5K Drum Run

The annual 5K race will be held Jan. 17 starting at 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Doraville, 5935 New Peachtree Road, across the street from the Doraville MARTA station. This 5K walk/ run will take place entirely on New Peachtree Road. The FLAT & FAST out & back USATF certified racecourse and Peachtree Road Race qualifier will have a 3.1-mile drumline all along the course. To register, visit mlkday5k.com.