Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. After many years of campaigning by activists, members of Congress and Coretta Scott King, a bill signed in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan created a U.S. federal holiday in honor of King. Now, Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday of January. Below is a list of free 2020 events in Seattle to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Thursday, Jan. 16
2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
King County will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the 55th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave.
Friday, Jan. 17
47th Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Tricia Rose will give the keynote speech at Seattle Colleges' annual Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. Danell Daymon and Greater Works gospel will perform live.
Time: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., doors open at 11 a.m.
Location: Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 16th Annual Teen March and Celebration
Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting a youth-organized march to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will start at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park and march to Rainier Community Center.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 2200 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. to Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S.
Sunday, Jan. 19
MLK Youth Kick-Off
Attend a free family-friendly event with free food and entertainment.
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave. S.
Monday, Jan. 20
2020 Seattle MLK Day Celebration
Garfield High School's 38th annual day of events celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. with an opportunity fair, workshops, free community meal and rallies.
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave.
King Day at NAAM
Northwest African American Museum's annual MLK Day program will have free arts and crafts activities, local vendors, food, film screenings and more.
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S Massachusetts St.
United Way of King County MLK Day of Service
Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering at local organizations.
Location: Various locations across Seattle