MLK Community Celebration | January 16–19
Throughout the long weekend, the Missouri History Museum honors the legacy of Dr. King. The family-friendly programming includes youth activism workshops on race and social justice, storytelling, make-and-take art projects, yoga, and a movement workshop. Visit the museum’s website to plan your visit. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell.
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We Can All Serve: MLK Food Drive | Through January 31
The St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis Area Foodbank are collaborating on a month-long food drive in the spirit of Dr. King’s mission of service. Drop off items at any SLPL location. Food, household essentials, feminine care, and baby care items are needed; check the food bank’s list of most-requested items here. (No glass items.)
MLK Legacy of Service | January 17
The Mission Continues, alongside Wreaths Across America, hosts a service event at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, properly disposing of the wreaths laid during Veteran’s Day. Dress for the weather. Sign up online for the event, which happens from 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Dream Reimagined: Youth Voices Uplifted | January 18
At the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, St. Louis Poet Laureate Pacia Elaine Anderson performs alongside young artists from local schools and arts organizations, interpreting Civil Rights Movement photography and images of Dr. King by Moneta Sleet Jr. 2–3:30 p.m. Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts, Forest Park.
Let it Resound: The Legacy of Black Composers | January 16
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Community Concert in honor of Dr. King takes place this year at Lee Auditorium at the Missouri History Museum. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus Director Kevin McBeth, IN UNISON Young Artists, and musicians from the SLSO share the stories and music of composer Florence Price and the lineage of Black composers who came after her. Free, no tickets required. 6:30 p.m.
11th Annual Mid St. Louis County Martin Luther King Parade & Program | January 19
Young Voices with Action, Inc., the Wellston Community Collective, Normandy Schools and Ameren present the Annual Mid St. Louis County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Saturday starts with a prayer and leadership breakfast, and Monday brings a parade starting at 10 a.m. from Normandy Senior High School and a noon program at Barack Obama Elementary School. Register online for the free event.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration: The Annual Celebration | January 19
The theme of Washington University’s annual Dr. King event is “Pressing Our Way: Striving for Change.” The event will include student performances and a presentation of the Rosa L. Parks Memorial Award, and it will be preceded by a community service event assembling hygiene kids for youth, cards for seniors, and care packages for the unhoused. Service project runs from noon–2 p.m. in Tisch Commons in the Danforth University Center; the commemoration, with a livestream option, takes place from 2–3:30 p.m. at Graham Chapel.
