4 ways to participate in MLK Day in Greater Cincinnati

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (right) chats with students at Wilberforce University’s 107th commencement June 9, 1965. DAYTON DAILY NEWS / WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (right) chats with students at Wilberforce University’s 107th commencement June 9, 1965. DAYTON DAILY NEWS / WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

The problem with federal holidays is they can become just another one of those few happy days where you don’t have to go to school or work. The reason for the holiday is often dimly acknowledged, at best.

Here are four ways you can not only remember the legacy of the one of the greatest men in human history, but also actively participate in recognizing and celebrating his work.

Pursuing His Dream

The Cincinnati Museum Center will commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a series of musical performances, vendors and lectures. Events include storytelling with Omope Carter Daboiku (the artist-in-residence at Dayton’s Paul Laurence Dunbar House), a lecture entitled “Navigating Intrapeneurship as an Entrepreneur,” black history trivia, a Child’s D.R.U.M.S. performance and workshop, and vendors selling art and books.

How to Go

Where: Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati

When: Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $0-$14.50

More info: (513) 287-7000 or visit www.cincymuseum.org

MLK Coalition March

The 45th annual march will begin outside the National Underground Freedom Center at 10:30 a.m., followed by an interfaith prayer service at Fountain Square at 11 a.m. There is also an 8 a.m. King Legacy Breakfast that requires a paid ticket.

How to Go

Where: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati

When: Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m.-noon

Cost: Free to march (for breakfast tickets, call 513-333-7500)

More info: 513-333-7500 or visit www.freedomcenter.org.

MLK Commemorative Program

The MLK Commemorative Program will pick up exactly where the coalition march leaves off. Dr. Tammy Kernodle, Professor of Musicology at Miami University and the keynote speaker, will reflect on the theme, “Sounds of Struggle … Songs of Freedom,” in between performances by the award-winning MLK Chorale. The Nouveau Chamber Players will also perform.

How to Go

Where: Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati

When: Jan. 20, noon

Cost: Free

More info: 513-744-3344

MLK Free Museum Day

This event can also piggyback on the coalition march (as well as the commemorative program). The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will offer free admission for its permanent exhibitions and programming. There will be a coloring station, book giveaways, The Rosa Parks Experience, a timed virtual reality experience, and Motel X, an interactive hotel that increases awareness of human trafficking in Cincinnati.

The museum’s third floor will be given to the annual MLK Day blood drive, and the mobile mammography bus will be parked in front of the museum.

How to Go

Where: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 50 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati

When: Jan. 20, noon-5 p.m.

Cost: Free except for The Rosa Parks Experience and Motel X ($5 each)

More info: 513-333-7500 or visit www.freedomcenter.org (also to schedule blood donation and/or mammogram)

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