Engage With Your Community on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 16

Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to social equality. He united people around the world to stand together for nonviolent change through peaceful protests and pushed all Americans to face the harsh injustice of segregation through his words.

Perhaps the most famous of these words were delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. In front of a quarter of a million people and a live TV audience, King shared his hope for the future with his “I Have a Dream” speech. His call for action helped lead to the passing of the Civil Rights Act the following year.

This year will mark 60 years since King led the March on Washington and shared his dream for equality in America. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16, 2023, ask yourself this question: what can you do to better the world around you? How can you get out and engage with your community?

Philanthropy has been proven to reduce stress, create a positive brain response and improve your social connection and community impact. For those of us fortunate enough to live in or near the nation’s capital, here are some opportunities to continue King’s work and improve the lives of our fellow Americans on Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade

Monday, January 16, 9:30 a.m.
Martin Luther King Jr Ave. & Howard Rd. SE, Washington, DC
The 42nd Annual Parade will begin at 9:30 AM from the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center. The Peace Walk, coordinated by the Coalition for Peace, will begin at 10:00 a.m. in Shepherd Park and follow Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue for two miles. Register here for free tickets.

MLK Jr. Birthday Tribute Reading

Monday, January 16, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
901 G St. NW, Washington, DC
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will host a reading that combines poetry with historical speeches, titled “Not Just Another Day Off.” The DC Public Library and Folger Shakespeare Library tribute will include works from James Baldwin, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, and Gandhi. Register here for free.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Community Event

Monday, January 16, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC
The People’s Holiday event will include hands-on activities, tours, music, and food on three floors of the Smithsonian Museum. Rex Carnegie and the House Band will perform music inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., and a culinary station will feature some of his favorite foods. There will also be a service project to benefit unhoused and foster children. Register here for free tickets.

Carter Barron Amphitheater Cleanup

Monday, January 16, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
4850 Colorado Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service will host a service event at Carter Barron Amphitheater. The project will include removing debris, paint, and leaf litter, as well as weeding, sweeping, and trimming invasive plants. Register here.

Mount Vernon Trail Invasive Plant Removal

Monday, January 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1198 N Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA
The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail invite participants to help remove invasive kudzu vines that kill nearby trees. Register here.

Oasis Restoration at Fort Slocum

Monday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
5800 Kansas Ave. NW, Washington, DC
This Martin Luther King Jr Day volunteer event at Fort Slocum Park will include removal of invasive plant species to help protect the forest. Register here.

Oasis Restoration at Reservation 630 East

Monday, January 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2801 Quebec St. NW, Washington, DC
Hosted by Rock Creek Conservancy, the National Park Service, and Rock Creek Weed Warrior leader Rena Subotnik, restoration at Reservation 630 East will remove invasive plants. Register here.