9 ways to celebrate + serve this MLK Day in Birmingham

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up on Monday, January 15. There are several events taking place starting this weekend to commemorate his legacy, learn and serve our community. Keep reading for ways to get involved in Birmingham this MLK Day.

1. MLK 5K Drum Run

Bring the whole family to the 8th annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run. The 5K will start at 8AM, with a 1-mile fun run/walk for all ages starting at 9AM. Drum lines from the Birmingham metro area schools will be lined up along the entire race course.

• When: Saturday, January 13 | 7AM
• Where: History Park, 1700 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Website

2. I Have a Dream Virtual Run

Throughout the month of January 2024, including January 15, you can take part in the “I Have A Dream” virtual races. Choose from various distances—including 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1M and 26.2M—and complete the race at your convenience, wherever you prefer.

PLUS—15% of each registration fee will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative.

• When: January 14–31
• Website

3. The Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast

The 38th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast will feature a keynote address from State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, awards and performances by local musical groups. 

• When: Monday, January 15 | Doors open at 6:30 AM | The MLK Choir will sing from 7-7:30AM
• Where: Birmingham Southern’s Norton Student Center, 800 8th Ave W, Birmingham, AL 35254
• Tickets: Contact Aaron Carlton at 205.585.6463

4. Free MLK Day at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with free admission, plus engaging and educational activities all day on January 15.

• When: Monday, January 15 | 10AM-5PM
• Where: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Website

5. Inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Brunch Celebration

Join V94.9 WATV for a lively and heartfelt celebration as they honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at their Inaugural MLK Brunch.

• When: Monday, January 15 | 10AM-12:30PM
• Where: Uptown Jazz Lounge, 2250-B 9th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Tickets

6. MLK Day of Service at BCRI

Join YouthServe at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for a day of service honoring Dr. King. Youth volunteers, ages 13-18, are invited to serve as guides for the Civil Rights Institute’s MLK Day activities.

• When: Monday, January 15 | 1-3PM, 3-5PM
• Where: 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Reserve a spot

7. Black Warrior Riverkeeper MLK Day Cleanup

Help Black Warrior Riverkeeper clean up various areas within the Center Point community. Garbage bags, gloves, hand sanitizer and light refreshments will be provided.

• When: Monday, January 15 | 9AM-12PM
• Where: Rebirth Christian Fellowship, 700 23rd Ave NW, Center Point, AL 35215
• Reserve a spot

8. MLK Jr. Day of Service

For over 20 years, thousands of people in the Birmingham community and beyond have come out to give back on United Way’s MLK Jr. Day of Service. The tradition is continuing this year with a variety of volunteer opportunities on January 15, including working on projects at:

• Birmingham Botanical Gardens
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Norwood Elementary School

• When: January 15 | 8AM-5PM
• Learn more and register

9. UAB African-American Faculty Association’s MLK Wreath Laying Ceremony

The public is invited to this free event to enjoy words spoken about Dr. King, special music, and UAB AAFA members laying a wreath in his memory.

• When: Tuesday, January 16 | 3PM
• Where: Steps of UAB Heritage Hall, 1401 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233

MLK celebrations are happening all across the state—check out even more events in Alabama.

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