January 15, 2021
MLK Week Readings, Resources, and Events
Each of us must chart our own journey to learn the history of the American Civil Rights Movement and its connections to present-day racial justice movements. The UW MLK Week workgroup offers readings and resources to support your movement toward understanding of our shared history and ways to contribute to racial equity work. Also, a list of virtual events to mark the MLK Day holiday this year is available here.
Additional events in the Seattle area:
Virtual Storytime – I Have a Dream, read by Jason Frank (Virtual – Recorded, Family Friendly)
Hosted by Northwest African American Museum
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Celebrating our county’s namesake (Virtual – Family Friendly)
Thurs, Jan 14, 2021, 12-1pm
Hosted by King County with keynote Dr. Ben Danielson, Former Director of the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic.
Rally for Martin Luther King Jr. – Kent School District / 5th Ave Theater (Virtual)
Fri, Jan 15, 2021, at noon
The rally is led by a team of passionate teen leaders and features musical performances, community speakers, and student reflections on the life, work, and legacy of Dr. King. Last year, the rally was presented by over 100 student performers and speakers for over 9,000 of their peers.
MLK Youth Leaders Event (Virtual)
Sun, Jan 17, 2021, 2-4pm
Visit the RainierAvenueRadio.World Facebook page where event will be streamed live and a short film of high school age students that share their activism and world views.
39th Annual MLK Jr Rally and March – Seattle MLK Coalition (In Person or Live Broadcast)
Mon, Jan 18, 2021, 11am Rally, 12pm March
Garfield Highschool, Front Parking Lot
The march will happen as it always does, starting with a rally at Garfield’s parking lot at 11 am and moving at noon, generally towards downtown. Organizations caution you to NOT COME if you are ill and to wear a mask.
Seattle MLK, Jr. Coalition Workshops (Virtual)
Tuesday, January 12 – Saturday, January 16
This past year has put issues of white supremacy, racism, anti-racism and police brutality in high relief. The Seattle MLK, Jr. Coalition’s workshops will reflect these themes.
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day – WA State Historical Society (Virtual – Family Friendly)
Mon, Jan 18, 11am-4pm
Free online performances and more! Take a look at the schedule of activities.
MLK Day of Service – Green Seattle (In-Person, Family Friendly)
Jan 15 – 18, 2021
Contribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service. There are small, COVID-safe volunteer opportunities on MLK day, and the weekend before all around the city.
The Journey to Becoming an Anti-Racist Family (Virtual – Adults, Parents and Caregivers)
Hosted by King County Library, presented by Lewin Education and Consulting.
Jan 16, 23, 30, 2021, 10-11:30am
Learn why it is important to talk about race and racism with kids, and how to do it. These conversations help build the foundation for raising compassionate children that embrace and value differences. The sessions will build on each other, attending all three is highly recommended.
MLK Day Beet Hunger Harvest For Food Lifeline (In-Person, Family Friendly)
Mon, Jan 18, 2021, 1-4 pm, in Snohomish/Monroe, WA
Hosted by United Way of King County and Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross
Harvest volunteers will hand harvest fresh beets for the hungry. Work is appropriate for all ages (accompanied by parent if under 13 years). The goal is to harvest 40,000 pounds of fresh beets for Food Lifeline. Social distancing enforced in the 1200-foot rows, and mask will be worn. You can see and talk with friends safely while providing for the hungry in Western Washington.