Photo courtesy of Flint Public Art Project, mural artist: Kevin Burdick 

January 17 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday marking the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.

On the day, schools and some workplaces receive the day off, which is often referred to as a “day on” with the intention of encouraging acts of service for the betterment of the community to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

The day can also serve as an opportunity to explore and educate yourself and your family on Black history and modern Black culture in the Flint & Genesee community.

Here are some of the ways you can spend this Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Celebrate Dr. King

There are several events happening in Flint & Genesee with the purpose of celebrating Dr. King’s legacy. These events include:

Jan. 16 - 46th Annual MLK Tribute Event in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This tribute will be held at the Genesys Conference & Banquet Center. The theme for the event is “Equality, Justice & Voting Rights” and the keynote address will be given by Dr. Clarence Nixon, CEO & founder of t.Lab.

Tickets are $50.

Jan. 18 - Annual Community Celebration Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

This is a free community event with music that is set to inspire and encourage its attendees. The theme of this year’s event is “Mission Possible.”

Jan. 18 - Selma.

The New McCree Theatre will show the biographical film Selma, which details the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, and the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Jan. 20 – 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mentoring Inspiration Breakfast

This event will encourage the community to incorporate mentoring into their lives with the goal of inspiring people to mentor youths from Big Brothers Big Sisters. County Commissioner James Avery will be the Master of Ceremonies, and community leader and artist Mama Sol will give akeynote.

Tickets are $20.

Give Back

One way to honor Dr. King’s Legacy is to give back to the community. In Flint & Genesee, there are several ways you can do so. Among the many places that are welcoming help for MLK Day are the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint, Crossover Downtown Outreach Ministry, and Habitat for Humanity.  

Jan. 20 – 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

Teams and individuals are invited to the Dort Federal Event Center to help pack meals that will be distributed to Genesee County residents facing food insecurity. No experience is necessary, and children five years old and older can participate as well.

Get out in the community

Get out and explore the culture in the Flint & Genesee Community. You can do so by visiting local museums or by supporting a local Black-owned business. Discover Black-owned businesses in Flint & Genesee in these Explore Flint & Genesee Blog posts: