Best MLK Events In The Twin Cities
It is the time of year to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., the man who had a dream that one day all people would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. School children get the day off to celebrate MLK day, so where can they go to learn about the day's namesake? We've found some of the best places in the Twin Cities to celebrate one of our nation's great leaders.
In no particular order...
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Martin Luther King Park
4055 Nicollet Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Website
There will be entertainment and local speakers and performers, like Danni Starr, former Miss Minnesota, and keynote speaker, Darrell Thompson -- a former NFL Star. The free event takes place on Mon., Jan. 17 from 6-7 p.m. Refreshments follow the program. You can also help give back donating a food item to the Feed The Dream Community Food Drive. There are also events happening at Whitter and Powderhorn, too.
U of M's "Tapestry of Dreams" Concert
Ted Mann Concert Hall (100 Ferguson Hall)
2106 Fourth Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Website
This concert, taking place on Sun., Jan. 23 from 4-6 p.m., marks the 30th anniversary of the MLK concert. It is free and open to the public.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast
Minneapolis Convention Center (Ballroom A)
1301 Second Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Website
This event, hosted by UNCF and General Mills, takes place at 7 a.m. on Jan. 17. The keynote speaker is Cory Booker, the Mayor of Newark, N.J., who you may have recently seen on 'Oprah' talking about education. Also American Idol contestant, Paris Bennett, will be one of the special guests. Tickets got for $30.
'I Have a Dream' Film Viewing
Brookdale Library (StarDome Room)
6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Website
Relive the famous speech that cemented the civil rights movement. You can watch Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech for free. It shows every hour starting at 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 17.
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
St. Paul Central High School
275 N. Lexington Ave
St. Paul, MN 55104
Website
On Jan. 17 there will be a celebration which includes a rally, march, program and education fair. The high school along with the Council on Black Minnesotans and Concordia University put on the day-long event.
MCTC's MLK Day Of Service
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
1501 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Website
On Jan. 15, you can start the morning with a breakfast speech then spend the day in service by going out the community and volunteering. Participants can do anything from reading to kids to preparing meals. You have to pre-register for the event.
Alison Lorge is a web producer and consumer blogger at WCCO.COM.