Top Destinations to Commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. for MLK Day 2024

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In 2024, Martin Luther King Jr. Day aligns with the late civil rights leader’s birthday, making Monday, January 15, a day of profound reflection and celebration not only in the United States but around the world. As we honor what would have been King’s 95th birthday, cities and towns across the nation are gearing up for a host of events and ceremonies. Here are some of the top U.S. destinations where you can join in the celebrations this January:

Jacksonville, Florida

  • Jacksonville, known as the Gateway to Florida, is an often-overlooked gem with unique neighborhoods and nearly 22 miles of stunning beaches. On January 15, the city will host the 43rd Annual MLK Holiday Grand Parade in its downtown area.
  • Visitors can explore up to five significant MLK sites in Jacksonville, including the historic Mount Ararat Baptist Church, where King delivered his impactful “This is a Great Time to Be Alive” sermon in March 1961.

Washington, D.C.

  • The nation’s capital is a fitting place to commemorate MLK Day. Join the Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on January 15. Make sure to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in West Potomac Park.
  • Washington, D.C., and its surrounding neighborhoods will host numerous special prayer services, running events, and MLK Day celebrations throughout the holiday weekend.

Atlanta, Georgia

  • Families can enjoy a weekend of celebration at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, featuring activities like storytimes, a birthday parade, and watercolor portraits in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • Atlanta is also home to MLK’s birthplace at 501 Auburn Avenue. While tours of the site are temporarily suspended until November 2025 due to renovations, visitors can still glimpse this historic property.
  • Sports enthusiasts can catch the NBA’s Hawks in action against the San Antonio Spurs during the annual MLK Day Game at State Farm Arena at 3:30 p.m. ET. There’s also the MLK Day 5K Drum Run in nearby Doraville at 8 a.m. ET.

San Antonio, Texas

  • San Antonio hosts the nation’s largest MLK March, now in its 37th year. The celebration on January 15, 2024, begins at 10 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy and culminates in a park celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park.
  • The park festivities feature multicultural performances, a health and wellness area, a youth area, food vendors, merchandise stalls, and information booths.
  • For those unable to attend the march, the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, along with the Carver Community Cultural Center, offer opportunities to learn about and celebrate MLK’s contributions to San Antonio and the nation throughout the year.

U.S. National Parks

  • MLK Day kicks off the year as the first of six free entry days at U.S. national parks in 2024. Nature enthusiasts can celebrate King’s legacy amidst the beauty of more than 400 parks across the country without an entry fee.
  • While most national parks are free to visit year-round, approximately 109 parks with entry fees will waive them on MLK Day.

Memphis, Tennessee

  • Memphis, much like Atlanta, is a city synonymous with commemorating MLK. Don’t miss the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel where King was tragically assassinated in 1968.
  • Visitors can also find solace and inspiration at the MLK Reflection Park and I AM A MAN Plaza.
  • The city will be hosting an exciting basketball showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum at 6 p.m. ET on January 15, adding a sports twist to the celebrations.

Join the nation in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in these remarkable destinations, each offering a unique and meaningful way to pay tribute to his enduring impact on civil rights and equality.

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