While Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day off for many people, its origin story is much more meaningful. Signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, MLK Day is observed on the third Monday of January. The federal government designates it as a day of service. (The only other day to receive this designation is Sept. 11.)
Local groups and organizations will pay homage to King at a variety of events happening throughout the long weekend.
MLK Celebration Concert featuring Hubb’s Groove
Saturday, Jan. 13 | 8 to 11 p.m.
The popular Cleveland jazz group Hubb’s Groove will celebrate MLK Day with a concert at BLU Jazz+. The performance will feature guest appearances from Myron Davis, Adrianna Miller and Gerald Skillern as the band plays songs from Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway and other soul legends. Tickets, with fees, are $22.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture
Sunday, Jan. 14 | 2 to 4 p.m.
Writer, professor and lecturer Michael Eric Dyson will give the annual lecture in observance of MLK Day at the main branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. The event is free to attend, and seats are available on a first-come first-served basis. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
Monday, Jan. 15 | 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The Akron Urban League will host the 2024 MLK Breakfast at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The keynote speaker for the annual event is Rachel Talton, founder and CEO of Synergy Marketing Strategy & Research Inc. Individual tickets are $50, and registration is required.
Free movie at the YMCA
Monday, Jan. 15 | 10:30 a.m.
The Kohl Family YMCA will show the 2014 film “Selma” in the First Energy Room. The movie follows the fight for voting rights and the Selma to Montgomery marches through the eyes of King and other prominent civil rights leaders of the time. The YMCA is also offering free parking at its two lots. (One is next to the building, and the other is across the street.) Use parking code 9622 at either of the lots to park for free.
Free admission to Akron Zoo
Monday, Jan. 15 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission to the Akron Zoo is free for all guests in observance of the holiday. Guests do not need to reserve a ticket online; they can simply show up. Also new this year: The zoo eliminated its parking fee.
Free admission to Akron Art Museum
Monday, Jan. 15 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission to the Akron Art Museum is free for all guests, but registration is requested. The museum will have interactive activities on hand in the lobby and will display photographs related to King from its collection.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fundraiser
Sunday, Jan. 14 | 4 to 6 p.m.
Newly elected Akron Board of Education member Barbara Sykes will give the keynote address at this annual event held at First Congregational Church of Akron. The event will feature performances from the MLK Coalition Choir and student scholarship recipients. The fundraiser is presented in partnership with Akron’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Coalition and the City of Akron. It is open to the public and free to attend.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Power Love Justice Weekend
Friday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 15
This weekend-long celebration begins Friday with Corporate Crucial Conversations, a chance for local businesses and organizations to participate in discussions around mental health, trauma and youth violence intervention. This is an online event that allows participants to select 60- to 90-minute time slots.
Saturday kicks off with A Change Makers Symposium: Igniting a Community for Transformation. A press release about the weekend’s events said, “Participants will address intersectional issues that impact Black and Brown communities involving community leaders and Akron area students.”
The event will also include a keynote address from Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, a professor at Columbia University, and a screening of the documentary “My Life.” The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gardner Theatre inside the University of Akron John Hower Taber Student Union. Registration is required.
Saturday evening, Smokie Norful and Erica Campbell will headline a gospel concert at Goodyear Theater. Also performing are Akron’s own Paula Depree and the United Voices Choir. Tickets are $15 to $50, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
The celebration wraps up with Monday’s Youth Day of Action. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., young volunteers will help clean up local communities at sites across town. Those interested in participating can register online.
Environmental Justice & Equity
Monday, Jan. 15 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lead naturalist Dave Daly will host a discussion on the impact of societal inequality in relation to the environment. Daly will also discuss justice and equity through the naturalist lens and how to mitigate climate change locally and beyond. This event will take place in the lodge at Goodyear Heights Metro Park.
John Brown House
Monday. Jan. 15 | 1-4 p.m.
Visitors will have a chance to explore the home where famed abolitionist John Brown and his family lived from 1844 to 1854. There will be activities available for children as well as a display of photographs from Opie Evans, who was well known in Akron for documenting the city’s Black community from the 1940s through the 1970s. There is no charge to visit the John Brown House on this day.