7 impactful MLK Day events happening this year in Alabama

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up on Monday, January 15, and there are several events taking place in Alabama to commemorate his legacy. Keep reading for ways to honor this important holiday across the state.

1. 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program in Huntsville

Each year, the University of Alabama in Huntsville hosts a MLK Day commemoration, and it’s always a memorable event. This year’s theme is based on Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” The keynote speaker will be Birmingham native Lisa McNair, who has an impactful story to tell.

• When: Thursday, January 11, 3:30PM
• Where: UAH Student Services Building, 301 Sparkman Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35899
• More Details

2. 2024 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference in Montgomery

With the theme, “Our Voice, Our Ballot, Our Future,” this year’s AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference will be three days of panel discussions, workshops and more.

• When: Friday, January 12-Sunday, January 14
• Where: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa, 201 Tallapoosa St, Montgomery, AL 36104
• More Details

3. 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Parade in Huntsville

Thanks to the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the streets of downtown Huntsville will host an MLK Day parade on Saturday, January 13. This historic fraternity puts on many incredible events throughout the year, and this is no exception.

• When: Saturday, January 13, noon
• Where: Downtown Huntsville, AL, 35801
• More Details

4. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration 2024 in Athens

Proceeding from the Limestone County Courthouse to the Limestone County Event Center, the Unity March is one of the most remarkable parts of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration in Athens. You can expect an essay and art contest, with an awards ceremony to commemorate the day.

• When: Monday, January 15, 9-11AM
• Where: 114 Pryor St W, Athens, AL 35611
• More Details

5. Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast in Florence

Back for its 31st year, the MLK Unity Breakfast will celebrate the legacy and honor the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. Hosted at the Marriott Conference Center in Florence, this event is open to individual and group reservations.

• When: Monday, January 15, 8-10AM
• Where: Marriott Shoals Conference Center, 10 Hightower Pl, Florence, AL 35630
• More Details

6. 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

7. 10th Annual MLK Classic Step Show in Dothan

Dothan is home to one of the most exciting annual MLK Day events—MLK Classic Step Show. Hosted by the Wiregrass Area Pan-Hellenic Council, this show features Steppers from various college fraternities and sororities, local youth groups and more.

• When: Monday, January 15, 5-9PM
• Where: Dothan Civic Center, 126 N St Andrews St, Dothan, AL 36303
• More Details

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