10 events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Birmingham on Monday, January 21
Reading time: 4 minutes
MLK Day celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Check out these Birmingham events commemorating the federal holiday on Monday, January 21.
I am the Dream: MLK Holiday Observance
Where: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 520 16th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Time: 9AM-5PM
Price: FREE
On Monday, January 21, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will host an “I am the Dream: MLK Holiday Observance” with a full day of programming with activities for all ages, including:
- Live performances
- Music
- Games
- Giveaways
You can also tour the institutes permanent exhibits and test your Civil Rights history knowledge for your chance to win a prize during a Jeopardy game.
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast
Where: BJCC. 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N., Birmingham, AL 35203
Date: Mon., Jan. 21
Time: 7-10AM
Admission: Price varies
Tickets
Did you know that the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast is Birmingham’s largest forum to celebrate racial reconciliation, educate today’s youth and nurture a vision of communities without poverty?
During the breakfast, information will be provided to benefit community and nonprofit leaders seeking resources for their constituents.
The breakfast also serves as a support event for the annual MLK Scholarship Essay program that provides direct scholarships to high school students throughout Birmingham.
MLK Day Habitat Restoration
Where: W.E. Putnam Middle School. 1757 Montclair Rd., Birmingham, AL 35210
Date: Mon., Jan. 21
Time: 9AM-1PM
Price: FREE
Requirements: All ages are welcome. If you have pruning shears, pruning saws, loppers and work gloves, consider bringing them along to use or share.
Register
Birmingham Audubon Society cleans up W.E. Putnam Middle School property. Photo via Birmingham Audubon Society
The Birmingham Audubon Society and Jones Valley Teaching Farm are joining together this MLK Day for a morning of outdoor work and service at W.E. Putnam Middle School. And they’d love your help!
During this day of service, volunteers will help clean up the 10-acre property of W.E. Putnam Middle School to help improve breeding conditions for the school’s resident nuthatch population.
Annual Resolute Running MLK Run
Where: Railroad Park. 1600 1st Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233
Date: Mon., Jan. 21
Time: 7-10AM
Join Resolute Running for the 6th annual three-mile MLK Day Run. During the run, travel through Civil Rights history as you stop at key landmarks and sites to discuss their significance in the Civil Rights Movement and Birmingham history.
Zoo Food Drive
Where: Birmingham Zoo. 2630 Cabaha Rd., Birmingham, AL 35223
Date: Mon., Jan. 21
Time: 9AM-5PM
Price: Half-off admission when you bring a non-perishable or canned food item.
The Birmingham Zoo and the Community Food Bank or Central Alabama are teaming up for a Food Drive in honor MLK Jr. Day.
On Monday, January 21, enjoy half-priced admission when you bring a non-perishable or canned food item. While at the zoo,
- Watch a sea lion demonstration
- Ride the Red Diamond Express and the Protective Life Carousel
- And more!
Student Athlete Run
Where: The Crossplex. 2331 Bessemer Rd., Birmingham, AL 35208
Time: 9AM
Price: Adults – $10; Seniors (65+) – $5; Students – FREE
Parking: $5
On Monday, January 21, more than 2,000 high school student athletes will compete in the MLK Invitational. Hosted by Birmingham City Schools, this is one of the most highly-anticipated track meets of the year.
Participating schools, include:
- Bham City Schools
- Bob Jones
- Hoover
- Mountain Brook
- Smiths Station
- Spain Park
- Vestavia Hills
- John Carroll
MLK Day Service with Hands On Birmingham
For 19 years, citizens of Birmingham (and surrounding areas) have come together to give back to the community for Hands On Birmingham’s annual MLK Jr. Day of Service. Projects have included:
- Refurbishing schools
- Building homes for the needy
- Feeding the homeless
- Cleaning up neighborhoods
- Socializing with seniors
This year, on Monday, January 21, Hands on Birmingham is seeking volunteers for a variety of projects. Check ’em out below and sign up to volunteer!
Collegeville Community Center Spruce Up
Address: 3029 29th Ave N., Birmingham, AL 35207
Time: 10AM-12PM
Register
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve Tree Plantings/Removings
Where: Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. 1214 81st St. S., Birmingham, Al 35206
Date: Mon., Jan. 21
Time: 1-4PM
Register
Turkey Creek Clean Up/Planting
Where:
Turkey
Creek Nature Preserve. Pinson, AL 35216
Date:
Mon., Jan. 21
Time:
1-4PM
Requirements:
Ages
18+ (ages 13+ can volunteer with an adult)
Register
North Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Socializing
Where: Birmingham, AL 35217
Time: 2-3:30PM
Register
What other Martin Luther King Jr. Day events are happening in Birmingham? Let us know!
