Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events

In January, millions of people around the country will celebrate and honor the work and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering and participating in special events. The federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of January, which is around King’s birthday, January 15. Here’s what’s happening in Greater Flint.

Thursday, Jan. 17

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Dinner – 40th Annual City-Wide Tribute

Featuring Dr. Agustin V. Arbulu, Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR). The event is sponsored by Mott Community College, Davenport University, Kettering University, Baker College of Flint, Hamilton Community Health Network and UM-Flint. For tickets, contact The Foundation for MCC office at 810.762.0425. The dinner begins at 6pm at Riverfront Banquet Center in Downtown Flint. Tickets: $50 per person; Table (10) $500.

Monday, Jan. 21

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – 34th Annual Celebration

The Flint Public Library and Flint Institute of Arts will commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a full day of free activities that emphasize identity, unity, and community engagement from 1-5pm. At 1pm, families with kids from preschool through age 12 are welcome to make a Peace Dove at the Flint Public Library before the celebration begins at 2pm. Channel 12’s Matt Franklin hosts a schedule that begins with speaker Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Former Senior Advisor and Vice President of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Christopher is the architect of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation process and widely recognized for designing holistic strategies for social change. The program also features vocalist Adam Baker, Creative Expressions Dance Studio, and a presentation by the Gamma Delta Kudos, sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa. The celebration concludes in the FIA Art School from 3-5pm, where participants will create a family-friendly artwork that reflects the contributions of Dr. King. This event is free and open to the public.

Monday, Jan. 21

United Way of Genesee County 2019 MLK Jr. Day of Service

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that many social ills could be defeated through citizen service. Recognizing that one in five Genesee County families deals with hunger, the United Way of Genesee County is setting out to combat this by engaging neighbors to help neighbors. The day of service is set for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21, from 9am-12pm at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center, 3502 Lapeer Rd., Flint. Volunteers will pack 80,000 meals to provide to Genesee County residents who are experiencing food insecurity. No experience needed, all ages can participate. (Great for kids five-plus). Registration is required for each volunteer at geneseeserves.org. Lunch will be provided.

Monday, Jan. 21

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Genesee County 13^th Annual Mentoring Inspiration Breakfast

To commemorate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and National Mentoring Awareness Month, this event engages community members to incorporate mentoring into their lives by volunteering to mentor a youth from Big Brothers Big Sisters. This event features breakfast, a keynote speaker, testimonials and entertainment. For more information, visit bbbsflint.org.

Monday Jan. 21

Humane Society of Genesee County MLK Day of Service

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Humane Society of Genesee County will host a project in his honor at the Humane Society facility from 9a-12p. Please contact Terry Ashley to reserve your space terry.e.ashley@geneseehumane.org or call 810.275.0432. Limited to 20 people.

Monday Jan. 21

Build Little Free Libraries with Habitat for Humanity and UM-Flint

Volunteer with Genesee Habitat for Humanity and UM-Flint to help build and distribute little free libraries throughout different neighborhoods in the city!

“For the past 7+ years our staff has come to work on Martian Luther King Jr day to open our doors to the community and show the impact that just one day of volunteering can make. We are so thankful for our volunteers that we have had come out in the past and look forward to the volunteers we will meet in the future,” says Genesee County Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Wenzlick.

“We will continue to support Michigan residents in serving within the Martin Luther King Day of Service events, as organizations create effective and engaging community projects.” Michigan Community Service Commission executive director Ginna Holmes said. “We look forward to seeing the impact these volunteers make across the state.” For volunteer information contact Genesee County Habitat for Humanity.