NPS - National Park Service

01/10/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/10/2023 11:23

The National Park Service Commemorates the 94th Birthday Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

News Release Date:
January 10, 2023

Contact:Marty Smith, (404) 331-2244

ATLANTA - Superintendent Judy Forte is delighted to announce the schedule of events for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in celebration of the 94th birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., beginning Friday, January 13, 2023, and ending on the 38th Anniversary of the National King Holiday, Monday, January 16, 2023. The life and legacy of Dr. King continues to be a timeless source of inspiration, peace of mind and incredible hope," said Superintendent Forte. The National Park Service is honored to work with its partners in restoring the in-person visitor use programming services for this year's events. We invite you to participate in our programs and events as we commemorate these significant events.

Schedule of Events:

January 13, 10:00 AM - The park will host a birthday celebration commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 94th Birthday. This educational event will be held inside of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (Heritage Sanctuary) at 407 Auburn Avenue, Northeast. Elementary schools throughout the State of Georgia have been invited to attend a special book reading of My Brother Martin by Dr. Christine King Farris with a special reading by Miss. Farris Christine Watkins, the granddaughter of Dr. King's sister, Dr. Christine King Farris. There, will also be a special storytelling performance by, renowned storyteller, Mama Koku. The program will end with students singing "happy birthday" to Dr. King and a cutting of the birthday cake will follow. This will be an in-person and live-streamed event. Please go to the park's website www.nps.gov/malu for the link to the livestream.

January 15, 4:00 - 5:30 PM - The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park will host a gospel tribute showcasing an array of inspirational singers recognizing the impactful life and perpetual legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This program will be held inside of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (Heritage Sanctuary) at 407 Auburn Avenue, Northeast. This program will be in-person and live streamed and is free and open to the public. Please go to the park's website www.nps.gov/malu for the link to the livestream.

January 16, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - All park buildings at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park will be open. Visit the King Birth Home, the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Historic Fire Station No.6, and Visitor Center from 9:30 AM until 4:30 PM and visit, The King Center from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.Visitors will have the opportunity to experience MARTA's 1955 Historic Bus and receive a free commemorative Martin Luther King Day photograph from 12:30 PM until 4:30 PM, on the holiday. Visitors can participate in the MLK March and Rally, which is organized by the MLK March Committee that starts at 1:45pm at Baker Street and Peachtree Street and ends at the King Center.

These National King Holiday events and activities offer opportunities for the park visitor to connect with significant values and beliefs of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

All events are free and open to the public.For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/malu and follow us on Twitter @MLKJrNHSNPS, Facebook MartinLutherKingJrNPS, and Instagram @martinlutherkingjrnps.