Best Ways To Commemorate MLK Jr. Day In Minnesota
On Jan. 18, 2016 across America we are celebrating the birth of humanitarian and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Minnesotans are also memorializing his influence on the culture of our society on this day. Here are 13 neighborhood events that can keep you busy, from early morning breakfast to an evening of awards and entertainment.
Nine Neighborhood Breakfasts
Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul
www.spacc.org/mlk
Date: Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Enjoy a hot breakfast and see the live broadcast of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, keynoting this year's annual MLK Holiday Breakfast at the Minneapolis Convention Center. You can commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at any of nine neighborhood churches, thanks to the organizing efforts of the Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul. The General Mills Foundation and the United Negro College Fund are underwriting the event at the convention center. Breakfast sites this year include:
First Covenant Church
1280 Arcade St
St. Paul, MN 55106
www.first-covenant.org
Mount Zion Temple
1300 Summit Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
www.mzion.org
Faith United Methodist Church
1530 Oakdale Ave
West St. Paul, MN 55118
www.faithumcmn.com
White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church
328 Maple St
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
www.whitebearunitarian.org
Brooklyn United Methodist Church
7200 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
www.bumc.org
Holy Family Catholic Church
2430 W 3rd St
Duluth, MN 55806
www.holyfamilyduluth.org
Saint Bridget Catholic Church
211 E Division St
River Falls, WI 54022
www.saintbridgets.org
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
McMillian Building
3000 5th St NW
New Brighton, MN 55112
www.unitedseminary.edu
Macalester College
Kagin Commons
1600 Grand Ave
St. Paul, MN 55105
www.macalester.edu
All-Day Seminarat Luther Seminary
Olson Campus Center
1490 Fulham St.
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 641-3456
www.luthersem.edu
Date: Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.
Price: Free, RSVP not required
Participate in a discourse on voter rights and registration this year as Luther Seminary celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Nekima Levy-Pounds will open the session with a 9:30 a.m. keynote address. She is a highly recognized professor of law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law who founded and provides leadership for a civil rights legal clinic called the Community Justice Project. Be prepared to hear a passionate appeal for justice tempered by in-depth knowledge of issues related to economic justice, juvenile justice, criminal justice and public education. Participate in chapel at 11:00 a.m., a community lunch at noon and a panel discussion on voter rights at 1:00 p.m. The Luther Seminary is a theological training and academic institution dedicated to developing leaders for the Christian community.
Related: Best Martin Luther King Day Celebrations In Minnesota
Lunch at Powderhorn Park
Powderhorn Recreation Center
3400 15th Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 370-4960
www.ppna.org
Date: Jan. 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Come together with neighborhood families for noontime refreshments to remember and rejoice the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Community Center is planning performances and children's activities that will reinforce the importance of this special holiday.
Afternoon Dinner at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Central Park
Central Gym Recreation Center
Central Gym Park
3400 4th Ave. S.
612-370-4918
www.minneapolisparks.org
Date: Jan. 18, 2016 at 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Participate in an old-fashioned soul food dinner amid music, dance, choruses, readings plus a guest speaker. All the public is encouraged to join this joyous occasion celebrating the life and leadership of Dr. King.
Evening at Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center
4055 Nicollet Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55409
(612) 370-4908
www.minneapolisparks.org
Date: Jan. 19, 2015 at 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Cap the evening off at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's (MPRB) annual celebration with a distinguished speaker, live musicians and entertainers. The evening highlight will be the MPRB "Living the Dream" award, which honors "an individual, business, or community group who has demonstrated dedication and distinguished service to the MPRB and the lives of Minneapolis residents." Stay for refreshments following the program. You are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item as this signals the finish of the seventh annual "Feeding the Dream" Food Drive.
Related: Best Martin Luther King Day Getaways Near Minnesota
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
