Martin Luther King Day is a state and federal holiday that is observed on the third Monday in January. The holiday commemorates the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose actual birthday was January 15, 1929. During one of his visits to Memphis, the civil rights leader was
assassinated at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. Today, the city remembers Dr. King with King Day events, including those at the
National Civil Rights Museum, a facility built around the Lorraine Motel, which showcases the struggles and triumphs of the civil rights movement. Below you will find information on some of these events.
King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum:
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration at the National Civil Rights Museum is a weekend long event. From January 19-21, 2008, the museum will host educational activities, motivational speakers, music, and more. For additional information, call (901) 521-9699.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at MIFA:
MIFA will be holding a celebration in honor of Dr. King's birthday on January 21, 2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, pastor of the New Olivet Baptist Church will deliver the keynote address. After the program, birthday cake will be served, and attendees are encouraged to help deliver holiday meals. Visit the
MIFA website for more information.
Dr. Martin Luther King Peace & Freedom Tribute Celebration:
This special concert featuring Morris Day and the Time will be held at the River Palace Entertainment Center at Sam's Town Casino on January 18, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to the show are $35 per person and all proceeds go to the National Civil Rights Museum. Attendees must be 21 or older.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Game:
On January 21, 2008, the
Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Chicago Bulls in a special King Day game at the FedEx Forum. The game will begin at 4:30 p.m. but prior to tip-off, the Grizzlies will present the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Awards to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Lanier for their contributions to civil and human rights. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
