When President Ronald Regan signed the bill officially establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983, the holiday followed the same precedent set by the Uniform Holiday Act.
This year, the holiday is on Jan. 20. Groups will host special events to honor the legend, and here is a guide to a number of them:
🏛️ The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
When: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 20
Location: 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati
More info: The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will host a series of events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20. The day will begin at 8 a.m. with the “King Legacy Celebration: Passing the Torch” ceremony. This event will feature performances by Dr. Lisa Moore and Elementz, as well as a keynote speech by Dr. Wendy Ellis. After the ceremony, a continental breakfast will be served. While this is a ticketed event, the museum itself will not charge admission from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 20. Museum guests can also take part in activities themed around the holiday.
🏛️ MLK Dayton Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
When: A memorial march is set for 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 20. A celebration banquet will be begin at 6 p.m.
Location: The memorial march is at 1323 W. Third St., Dayton. The banquet is at the Dayton Arcade at 35 W. Fourth St.
More info: MLK Dayton is an organization created to “inspire citizens to act on the vision of social justice created by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” During the MLK Memorial March, attendees will walk from 1323 W. Third St. to Sinclair Community College Building 12. The evening’s banquet will feature a speech from Dr. Rodney Wallace Kennedy.
🏛️ Wittenberg University Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
Credit: Barbara J. Perenic
Credit: Barbara J. Perenic
When: 10-11 a.m. Jan. 20
Location: Weaver Chapel: 4 E. Campus Drive, Springfield
More info: As a part of the free “Wittenberg Series” of speakers, the Springfield college will host best-selling author and activist Nic Stone for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day presentation entitled “Legacy of a leader.” Stone is the author of books such as “Dear Martin,” “Fast Pitch” and “Jackpot.” This event is open to the public.
🏛️ Ohio University MLK Jr. Silent March and Celebratory Brunch
When: A silent march begins at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 20. Brunch is 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: The march begins aa 64 University Terrace, Athens. Brunch will be at 1 Park Place, Athens
More info: The silent march will be led by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Later in the morning, the celebratory brunch will have a keynote speech from Dr. Terrance L. Frazier.
🏛️ Huber Heights sixth annual MLK Unity Program
When: 9:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 20
Location: Wayne High School, 5400 Chambersburg Road, Huber Heights
More info: This year, Huber Height’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration has the theme “Huber 365: Protecting our Freedom, Justice and Democracy.” This event will offer several activities, including “Meet a Neighbor,” which will be interactive. This event will also feature several speakers, presentations and a first-come-first-serve complimentary breakfast.
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