Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, 2024, offers opportunities to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by supporting racial justice causes, giving back to the community, and attending events that reflect his fight for equality and civil rights. Chicago boasts a particular connection with the icon because it was here that he joined the Chicago Freedom Movement and spoke out on the realities of discrimination, particularly around the issues of poverty, education, and housing. Consider attending the free events listed below to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Day.
Art Institute of Chicago
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” on Monday, January 15
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
111 South Michigan Avenue
This discussion and gallery exploration will use Dr. King’s words as a guide to interpret artworks in the collection, and explore the many meanings of justice, resistance, and faith.
For additional event information, click here.
Chicago History Museum
MLK Family Event — Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1601 N. Clark St., 312-642-4600
Join in a freedom sing-along, learn about civic action, get a customized poem, and view the “Mighty Times: The Children’s March” documentary at this annual event that honors Dr. King’s legacy and activism, particularly in Chicago.
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
“Been to the Mountaintop: Dr. King and the Present and Future of Our World” on
Saturday, January 13
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
740 E. 56th Place, 773-947-0600
The museum will host “Been to The Mountaintop: Dr. King and the Present and Future of Our World,” a free community discussion with civil rights activist, poet and filmmaker Kevin Powell. Explore the exhibits “Freedom: Origin and Journey” and “Troubled Waters: Chicago 1919 Race Riot.”
Hyde Park Art Center
“Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows” on Monday, January 15
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5020 S. Cornell Ave.
Examine the ways that history, leadership, and creativity influence the present and future. Join in artmaking and learn about Black folklore and found object printmaking. Semicolon Bookstore will host a pop-up shop of Afrofuturism and speculative fiction in conjunction with The Alien Nations and Sovereign States of Octavia Butler” exhibit.
Members of Civic Orchestra of Chicago Chamber Ensemble will perform music by Black composers from 2- 2:45 pm.
