CINCINNATI (WXIX) – “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
These words were written by Martin Luther King Jr. while he was behind bars in Birmingham, Alabama, for his leadership in a nonviolent civil rights demonstration in April 1963. It was later famously known as his Letter from Birmingham Jail.
Jan. 15 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that honors the accomplishments of the doctor and reverend, along with his trailblazing passion for equality.
The work that Dr. King put into ending segregation and fighting for civil rights is honored across the nation. A few of his most notable works include the March on Washington in August 1963, which was followed by his “I Have a Dream Speech” at the Lincoln Memorial, and his organizing of the Montgomery Bus Boycott after the arrest of Rosa Parks in 1955.
These civil efforts allowed King to win a Nobel Prize of Peace in 1964.
“I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind,” he said that day, according to the National Parks Service.
On April 4, 1968, King was standing on his second-floor balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, when he was shot and killed by James Earl Ray.
Even in death, the civil rights activist’s actions were not forgotten and remain sacred to America’s history and future, setting a precedent in the U.S.
Several events are happening in the Cincinnati area on Jan. 15 and throughout January to honor Dr. King.
49th annual Freedom March
Cincinnati’s MLK Coalition is celebrating MLK Jr. Day in a symbolic way on Jan. 15.
Mirroring Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic March on Washington, the Tri-State coalition is inviting the community to march to Washington Park from The Banks.
Participants will gather at the Underground Railroad Freedom Center at 10:30 a.m.
The march will begin at 10:40 a.m. and will conclude at 11:30 a.m. at Washington Park.
Afterward, an MLK Day Jr. program will be held in Music Hall from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Black empowerment at the Cincinnati Museum Center
On Saturday, the Cincinnati Museum Center will celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a full day on Black empowerment.
The museum will highlight the history, present and future accomplishments made by Black Americans through art, performances, informational booths, and hosting vendors and speakers.
The event is on Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Great Parks MLK Day Cleanup in Roselawn
Community members are encouraged to come out to the Nature Center at the Summit for the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Cleanup on Jan. 15
Great Parks and the Roselawn Community Council teamed up again this year to honor the civil rights activist and to keep the neighborhood clean by collecting litter and recyclables.
Volunteers will meet at 1580 Summit Rd. The event is scheduled between 10 a.m. and noon.
Annual MLK Day Blood Drive
Hoxworth Blood Center is hosting its 16th annual MLK Day Blood Drive at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the fourth floor on Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Donors will receive a free fleece quarter-zip as a gift for donating blood.
“We celebrate the King Legacy by giving the gift of life during this birthday week each year, embodying the spirit of compassion and service,” says Michael Davis, co-chair of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Blood Drive. “We urge your support to our efforts and donate blood to serve our greater Cincinnati community.”
Make your donation appointment here.
If you’re unable to make it on Monday, Hoxworth is also hosting an MLK Week of Giving at all seven neighborhood donor centers between Jan. 15 to Jan. 21.
Free admission to the Freedom Center
On Monday, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is allowing free admission for all guests in honor of MLK Day.
In addition to the permanent exhibits that will allow people to reflect on U.S. history, there will also be special programming for the day to celebrate the accomplishments of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hoxworth blood drive, in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Kappa Alpha
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community information tables and self-guided activities
- 11:30 a.m., 1:30 & 3:30 p.m. Story times
- 2 p.m. Adrian Dunn and The Adrian Dunn Singers perform
The Freedom Center is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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