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6 Events Happening to Honor the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with virtual events, online discussions, and more happening from organizations around the city that honor the legacy of the civil rights leader.

Join the Kelly Strayhorn Theater online for a virtual celebration

Poetry Unplugged | The August Wilson African American Cultural Center | January 15 at 8 p.m.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is hosting their fifth annual Poetry Unplugged, a night of spoken word and music featuring artists from around the country using the life and work of Martin Luther King as inspiration. This year Poetry Unplugged will be a virtual night featuring Award-winning spoken word artists known for their fierce delivery and ability to move the crowd.

14th Annual Concert Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | Let Freedom Sing | January 16 at 7 p.m.

Tune in to the 14th annual Let Freedom Sing Concert featuring solo vocalists Anita Levels and Michael Warren, spoken word artist vanessa german, and the Dr. J Piano Trio and Boys Choir from the Afro American Music Institute, hosted by KDKA Radio’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland.

ACBA Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast |Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition | January 18 at 9 a.m.

The virtual Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast and Program hosted by The Allegheny County Bar Association’s Homer S. Brown Division will present the 2021 Drum Major for Justice Award to Tracey McCants Lewis. McCants Lewis will receive the award for her commitment to providing access to the legal system to those who have been too often denied access.

KST’S MLK Day Celebration, Living the Legacy | Kelly Strayhorn Theater | January 18 at 3 p.m.

Join Kelly Strayhorn Theater for their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Tune in to the pre-recorded broadcast, Living the Legacy, to celebrate King’s life and great achievements. The event will highlight Pittsburgh artists and activists who are living and working in King’s legacy today along with a performance from and conversation with the artists Lost Culture Dance Crew, Jameelah Platt, and more.

The Clemente Museum: The Story of the Great One | Doors Open Pittsburgh | January 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Doors Open Pittsburgh is hosting a special virtual storytelling event to celebrate MLK Day honoring Roberto Clemente. His impact beyond baseball is best depicted by the inscription on his cenotaph, “Son of Carolina, Exemplary Citizen, Athlete, Philanthropist, Teacher, Hero of the Americas and the World.”

Celebrate With Service | United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania | January 18 at Various Times

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has created two meaningful opportunities for you and your family to celebrate MLK Day. Donate books to their Book Drive for Diversity to put meaningful and positive books in the hands of eager young readers. You can also attend their Family Forum on Equality and Kindness to engage in meaningful discussions about social justice, learn practical skills, and encourage a more inclusive culture.

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