List: MLK Day 2025 events in Dayton and the region

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 on Jan. 20, 2025, 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. FILE PHOTO

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 on Jan. 20, 2025, 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. FILE PHOTO
Lifestyles
By Alex Cutler
Jan 6, 2025
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which celebrates the legendary Civil Rights Movement leader, is on the third Monday of January each year.

This date was chosen over Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday of Jan. 15 because of the Uniform Holiday Act, signed into law by Lydon B. Johnson in 1968. Created to provide “uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays,” this law created official dates for holidays such as George Washington’s birthday (now known as Presidents Day).

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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

Dayton's 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day March, held Jan. 15, 2024.

icon to expand image

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

The Weaver Chapel on Wittenberg University Campus. Photo Courtesy Wittenberg University

Credit: Barbara J. Perenic

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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.

🏛️ MLK Day Student Celebration: ‘The Six Triple Eight’ free screening at The Neon

"The Six Triple Eight." (L-R) Milauna Jackson as Lt. Campbell and Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams in "The Six Triple Eight." Cr. Bob Mahoney / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

Credit: Bob Mahoney/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy of Netflix

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Credit: Bob Mahoney/Perry Well Films 2/Courtesy of Netflix

When: 11 a.m. Jan. 20. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

Location: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton

More info: Directed by Tyler Perry, “The Six Triple Eight” tells the inspiring, powerful story of World War II’s first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color led by Daytonian Charity Adams Earley. Based on Kevin M. Hymel’s article “Fighting a Two-Front War” featured in WWII History Magazine, the film stars Kerry Washington as Adams, who at age 26 supervised the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Adams served as the highest-ranking Black woman officer during World War II. This event is particularly targeted at young people and will include a discussion following the screening.

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About the Author

Alex Cutler is a graduate of Sinclair Community college, with degrees in Communication and Multimedia Journalism. Alex looks to continue his education and career in the near future.