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On Monday, January 19, DC Public Library will host a full slate of events dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Programs include hands-on art, a powerful musical performance, and conversations on justice, invites the community to pause, reflect, and recommit to Dr. King’s work.
Honoring Heritage Through Art and Song
The day’s celebrations begin with a nod to creative expression and history. Families are invited to the children’s room for Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. With Clay Art (10:00 am). This hands-on activity encourages attendees to mold their own version of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial or create a symbol of peace and kindness.
At noon, the Library will commemorate a significant piece of local history with the 40th Anniversary of the King Mural + Musical Performance (12:00 pm). This event celebrates the four-decade-long impact of the iconic MLK Mural, a powerful symbol of Dr. King’s life and activism. The event will feature remarks from the family of the mural's artist, Don Miller, and a moving musical performance by the Seasons of Love Ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC.
Justice, Equity, and Local Action
The focus shifts to local governance and civic action in the afternoon with A Celebration of DC Home Rule (2:00 pm). Programmed in partnership with the DC History Center, this event—part of the Young John Lewis reflection series—will celebrate 52 years of Home Rule in the District. Mosaic Theater will present a performance of songs from their show, followed by a panel conversation centered on the activists championing DC Home Rule.
The week of reflection continues on Thursday, January 22, with a critical discussion on educational justice. Award-winning New York Times journalists Erica Green and Katie Benner will host an Author Talk for their book, Miracle Children: Race, Education, and a True Story of False Promises (7:00 pm). Moderated by author and journalist Adam Harris, the program explores an investigation of a college admissions scandal that exposes deep-seated inequalities and racial segregation within American education.
These events invite the community to engage with Dr. King’s legacy, a legacy rooted in service, equality, and the enduring power of art and conversation to inspire change.