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:
1/17/09 -- MLK Youth Day 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for kids ages 3-10. Activities will include art, music, educational games, construction of a giant birthday cake that participants will decorate.
1/19/09 -- MLK Day Celebration from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Includes special $2 admission to the museum, live music, speeches, drama performances, and more.
1/20/09 -- "From History to Victory," a live viewing of the Presidential Inauguration 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. FREE to the public on large screens. Inauguration commemorative items will be available at the Gift Shop. No museum tours will be conducted.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at MIFA:
MIFA will be holding a special event on January 19 at 10:00 a.m. at 910 Vance Avenue. The keynote speaker will be Reverend Melvin Lee, pastor of Macedonia MB Church – Hyde Park, Inc. Following Reverend Lee’s address, the twenty-five finalists for the fourth annual Youth Servant Leadership Oratorical Contest will be announced. This year’s topic was "As it pertains to Dr. King’s dream, what is the significance of the 2008 presidential election?" After the contest finalists are announced, there will be a brief reception, and then volunteers will deliver meals.
Dr. Martin Luther King Peace & Freedom Tribute Celebration:
This special event will feature comedian Ricky Smiley and will be held at the River Palace Entertainment Center at Sam's Town Casino on January 16, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets to the show are $35 per person and may be purchased through
Ticketmaster by calling 1-800-456-0711 ext. 45712
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Game:
On January 19, 2009, the Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Detroit Pistons in a special King Day game at the FedEx Forum. The game will begin at 4:29 p.m. but prior to tip-off, the Grizzlies will present the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Awards to Julius Erving and Dave Bing for their contributions to civil and human rights. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.
