Compiled by Steve Lyttle and Hilary Trenda
Originally published by The Charlotte Observer: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014
A variety of special events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be held through the region over the next week.
Wednesday
City of Charlotte Memorial and wreath-laying ceremony, noon, at the MLK Statue in Marshall Park.
Thursday
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ 20th anniversary celebration of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. “Leaving a Legacy — Realizing a Dream” art and writing contest winners. 6-8:30 p.m. West Charlotte High School Auditorium, 2219 Senior Drive.
Saturday
Hands on Charlotte
More than 800 volunteers are expected at the MLK Call to Service, the one-day service event at three Charlotte-area schools meant to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Activities from 10 a.m.-noon at Randolph Middle School, 4400 Water Oak Drive, Charlotte; Military & Global Leadership Academy at Marie G. Davis, 3351 Griffith Street, Charlotte; and Blythe Elementary School, 12202 Hambright Road, Huntersville.
City of Charlotte MLK Holiday Parade
More than 15,000 people are expected for this celebration that features floats, performers, VIP guests and more. Starting point is Ninth and Tryon Streets, continuing to Stonewall Street, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Red Cross Fire Safety Program
About 100 volunteers from Hope Worldwide Charlotte and the American Red Cross will go door-to-door in neighborhoods along Freedom Drive, distributing fire safety information.
Sunday
The Inspiration of Life
Winthrop University will host a free celebration that will commemorate and honor Dr. King’s life through song and performance, 5 p.m. in Tillman Hall.
Monday
Davidson College
“King Day for Kids,” “Civil Rights Cinema” and lecture “40 Years Later: Now We Can Talk.” Seminar series will include “Racial Framing in Disney Films and Social Media” “Disingenuous Narratives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Children’s Literature” and “Poetic Reflections of Social Justice.” For times, locations and descriptions of each event: bit.ly/1dow0oM.
Winthrop University
Day of service: More than 300 students registered to serve more than 25 community agencies, starting at 9 a.m.
National Day of Celebration
7-9 a.m. Crown Ball Room, Charlotte Convention Center.
Tuesday
Davidson College
11 a.m.-noon: Duke Family Performance Hall, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture featuring NAACP Immediate Past President Benjamin Jealous. Details: bit.ly/1dow0oM.
Saturday, Jan. 25
City of Lancaster, S.C.
Parade and ceremony begin at 11 a.m. downtown.