King Day is on Monday, January 20th, 2025 at the National Civil Rights Museum. It's a chance to reflect, honor, and celebrate Dr. King's legacy for his birthday.  January 15, 2025 would have been his 96th birthday.

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.

Check out ways to celebrate Black History year round and support Black-owned businesses.

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.

There is also an MLK Health + Wellness Fair on January 18th from noon - 2 p.m. featuring health screenings, community resources, and family friendly activities. Details here.

2. Visit The National Civil Rights Museum + 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. After its renovation and reopening in 2014, the NCRM does an even better job of telling that story with immersive, multimedia, and interactive exhibits that focus on the people behind a movement that continues today.

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 including live performances, spoken word, DJ set, children's activities, and more celebrations. New this years is the Memphis-based exhibit, The Southern Heritage Classic: Celebrating 35 Years of an HBCU Memphis Tradition (see our reel about it). The display features more than 120 artifacts from Fred Jones' personal collection, alongside archived footage of games, Battle of the Bands performances, and tailgating scenes which is a joy to watch at the exhibit.

The Museum will also accept donations of money and food for the Mid-South Food Bank and Vitalant will host a blood drive on site, too. If you are able to give blood, you will receive free admission for two people any day in 2025 and an MLK Spirit of Service t-shirt (while supplies last).

3. 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.

4. 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 is currently under renovation to be restored to its former glory. When you visit be sure to admire the newly installed stained glass. Read about the restoration being done here and consider donating to help their work.

5. Take a Quick 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 Clayborn Temple.

6. 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.

7. Memphis Grizzlies Game

Tune in or attend the MLK Day game on January 20. The Grizzlies will play the Timberwolves at home. Lucky Daye will sing the national anthem.

Leading up to the game the Memphis Grizzlies will partner with NCRM, City of Memphis, and Shelby County for the 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Across multiple days they'll host events targeting at helping youth, community service, important discussion on race, and more. Read how to get involved here.

8. Take 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.

BONUS: Save the Date for Sweet Honey In The Rock

In Memphis, we know a powerful weekend like MLK Day is not reserved to one weekend. The Halloran Centre for Performing Arts is hosting the Grammy-nominated ensemble that is Sweet Honey In The Rock--one of the most vibrant and versatile collective in music. They serve as ambassadorial African American organization founded on the triumvirate missions of empowerment, education and entertainment with over four decades of service. Get your tickets!

How will you observe and celebrate Martin Luther King Day in Memphis this year? What does the holiday mean to you? Let me know in the comments.