Meaningful Ways to Honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day In Memphis
This guide highlights meaningful ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis from museum events and volunteer opportunities to historic sites and community celebrations.
This guide highlights meaningful ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis from museum events and volunteer opportunities to historic sites and community celebrations.
Join the city on Monday, January 19, 2026, to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, whose 97th birthday would have been January 15, and discover ways to participate in King Day activities across Memphis. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, making the celebration especially significant.
If you're not able to join the celebration in Memphis, attend the event virtually at 10 a.m. CST. The Museum will share a message of hope and unity through a virtual presentation that includes creative tributes and community testimonials. Register for livestream here.
Here are a few ways to celebrate MLK Day in Memphis.
1. Volunteer your time.
Memphis organizations coordinate volunteer efforts so the community can get involved for Martin Luther King Day each year. Join volunteers across our city for MLK Days of Service, an opportunity to give back, build connections, and make a tangible impact in our community. Volunteer Odyssey put together a guide of ways to give back in honor of MLK Day.
Wolf River Conservancy will host a MLK Day of Service at T.O. Fuller State Park on January 17. T.O. Fuller State Park was the first state park open for African Americans east of the Mississippi River. They'll work on hiking trial restoration, playground surface renewal, and invasive species removal. Memphis Rox will be the site of the 4th Annual MLK Day of Service: Lead Free South Memphis Canvassing Day on January 17. Help canvas homes in this community impacted by lead service lines and extending opportunities for free lead paint and water testing, and other resources
2. Visit The National Civil Rights Museum and Visit the King Day Celebration
The NCRM is perhaps the most important attraction in Memphis. In terms of history and the city's role in the worldwide struggle for civil rights, it's a must-visit for visitors and locals alike. This year also celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Museum's opening.
The museum is located at the Lorraine Motel in the South Main neighborhood of downtown Memphis. It is free to observe the plaza and the balcony where Dr. King was standing when he was killed. For the King Day celebration, the NCRM allows free entry from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect a full day of activities outside:
- Main Stage Performances – Live entertainment featuring local and regional artists, choirs, performers, and student groups
- Day of Service – Give back through blood donation with Vitalant and food drives with Mid-South Food Bank
- Family Activities – Arts and crafts, learning stations, and youth-centered programming inspired by Dr. King’s principles of justice, equality, and service
- Storytelling Hub – Share your reflections on Dr. King’s legacy through video booths, oral history prompts, and collaborative art
- Community Resource Pavilion – Connect with civic organizations, health and wellness providers, and service initiatives across Memphis
- Food Trucks & Local Vendors – Enjoy the flavors and creativity of Memphis
3. March in the Annual MLK Day Commemorative March
Join Teamsters Local 667 for the annual MLK Day march from North Main & A.W. Willis to the National Civil Rights Museum, honoring Dr. King’s legacy of labor and civil rights. The day begins with an 8 a.m. ceremony, followed by a 9 a.m. march, and concludes with a public luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, hosted by the Memphis and West Tennessee AFL-CIO.
4. Stop by the Mason Temple (930 Mason Street)
The Pentecostal church in Memphis is where Dr. King delivered the "I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech on the night before his assassination. You can read the speech or listen to a recording of Dr. King giving the speech here. For MLK Day in Memphis, make a stop to look at the building. It is currently the world headquarters for the Church of God In Christ.
5. Visit The I AM A MAN Plaza at Clayborn Temple (280 Hernando Street)
The "I AM A MAN" plaza, which is adjacent to Clayborn Temple across the street from FedExForum. If you haven't been since it was installed in 2018, I encourage you to take a quiet moment and visit. It honors the people of the 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike, the people who Dr. King traveled to Memphis to support before his assassination. Read a bit more here.
The historic Clayborn Temple was a recent victim to arson. A devastating blow to the renovation well underway to restore the sacred place to its former glory. I AM A MAN plaza is still open to visit. Despite this blow, the team behind the restoration is dedicated to continuing. A meaningful way to honor MLK Day could be through much needed donations to continue on.
6. Take a Visit MLK Reflection Park (2nd and MLK Ave.)
Opened as a part of MLK50 (the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination in 2018) this park in downtown Memphis is home to the "I Have Been To The Mountaintop" sculpture, water features, and historical panels. It is only a block or two away from the National Civil Rights Museum and recently got improvements in the last few years.
7. Withers Collection Museum and Gallery (333 Beale Street.)
Although best known for his coverage of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Ernest C. Withers is also celebrated for capturing rare and significant moments in American history across sports, music, politics, and daily life. In February 2011, The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery was opened to the public and houses 7,000 square feet of Memphis and broader American history.
8. Ride Along on A Tour of Possibilities
While you may not be able to take this guided driving tour of the city on MLK Weekend, you should certainly add "A Tour of Possibilities" to your Memphis bucket list. The passionate, entertaining Carolyn Michael Banks aka "Queen" will serve as your guide to several civil rights and African American points of interest around the city.
Everyone is welcome on her tours, where she provides plenty of historic and musical context for each stop and the city in general. Read more.
About the Author
Kinsey P
Joe Calhoun
I would like to invite people to include the Withers Collection Museum/Gallery 333 Beale St. Take a walk through history looking to at the hundreds of photos on display including Martin Luther Kings last 12 years, Memphis music and the Memphis Red Sox of the Negro league baseball from Martin Stadium.
we operate off your donations
thanks and come stop by and visit
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