The day the nation marks Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, it also pauses to observe the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. A transformative civil rights leader, King dedicated his life to combating injustice, inequality, poverty and war, leaving an enduring impact on the world.
In Delaware, Martin Luther King Day is a time for reflection and action. Communities across the state will celebrate his legacy with marches, speeches, volunteer activities and special programming hosted by museums, cultural organizations and community groups.
Want to share an event? Contact Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com to add your event to the list. Be sure to check back often, as new events will be added regularly.
Events celebrating the Martin Luther King holiday
Here are a few events to consider adding to your calendar:
West Side Grows Together
13th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Clean Up, Peace March and CelebrationDate: Monday, Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Location: Jefferson Street Center, 1801 Jefferson St., WilmingtonDetails: Join the community for a day of action and connection. Participate in a community clean-up or take on a “done-in-a-day” project with local organizations and nonprofits. The event also features free food, music, family-friendly activities, a small-business marketplace and access to valuable community resources. For more details, visit their Facebook event page.Contact: Call 302-888-5348 or email Billy Haviland at bhaviland@westsidegrows.org
Delaware Art Museum
MLK Day of ServiceDate: Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Location: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, WilmingtonDetails: Participate in a free, community-focused day inspired by King’s legacy of service and social change. Highlights include free produce from Delaware Urban Greens, musical performances, a time capsule project and a keynote address by Ali Shah Watson, Delaware’s representative for the National Leaders of Color Fellowship program. Donations for a school supply drive to benefit students of Brandywine and Red Clay school districts will be accepted. Requested items include backpacks, pencils, glue sticks, tissues and more.Admission: Free parking and entry, but registration is required.
Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice
MLK – An Inspirational Musical Celebration 2025Date: Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.Location: Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach Details: Enjoy an inspirational musical celebration dedicated to the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Tickets are $25, with proceeds benefiting the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice.Contact: Learn more by contacting Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice for more information.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware MLK Day of service opportunities and events 2025