Dr. King celebrations, volunteering, and family fun on MLK Day

MLK mosaic portrait at Reston Community Center; photo by P. Hall

By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com

Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day is coming up on Monday, January 20, 2020. It’s a federal holiday and day off from school for many kids, so some local families will find themselves with a bonus day to spend together!

What started as a day to pay tribute to an iconic American often now serves as good opportunity for volunteering, with some businesses and organizations using the holiday as a “day on, not off.”

Whether you plan to learn more about Dr. King, honor his legacy through volunteering, spend quality time with the kids, or all of the above, we have some ideas to make the most of your day! Our list below for 2019 includes:

MLK remembrance ceremonies
Local volunteer opportunities
Children’s shows and free admission to national parks

1. Honor Dr. King at area celebrations with music, a parade, and volunteering

Reston Community Center (RCC) has several events to celebrate the Martin Luther King birthday. The annual three-day celebration, now in its 34th year, takes place this time January 19-21. Activities include performances by the Reston Community Orchestra, Liner Notes: Music of the Movement, community service projects, the Voices of Inspiration Program sponsored by the Reston Martin Luther King Jr. Church hosted by the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation and a Keynote Speech by Bakari Sellers followed by a community luncheon.

On Saturday the 19th, you can make it a day of service by volunteering at one of several indoor or outdoor community projects taking place in various locations. Then at 4 pm, enjoy a free, all-ages Reston Community Orchestra concert at RCC Hunter Woods that honors Dr. King’s life and legacy.

On Sunday the 20th, at 2 pm, enjoy Liner Notes: Music of the Movement at RCC Hunter Woods. Exploring music inspired by the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s, this show features inspiring songs of change (ticket prices are $15-20). At 4 pm, the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation in Reston hosts Voices of Inspiration, the 30th Anniversary program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This free event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Christian Church and includes many Reston faith communities.

Also on Sunday, Arlington County hosts its annual tribute. The free community program takes place 5-6:30 pm at Wakefield High School. The program is titled “Prayers of a King” and will feature live music, dance and spoken word.

On Monday the 21st, you can attend a community luncheon ($5-10) at RCC Hunter Woods at noon. Delivering the keynote address by Bakari Sellers, who made history in 2006 when, at just 22 years old, he became the youngest youngest African American elected official in the nation. Guests may register their school age children (first-sixth grade) to participate in activities at RCC while the luncheon takes place. Children will rotate through a series of activities including a performance, an age-appropriate video, and arts and crafts. All activities will be based on the history of Dr. King and the civil rights movement and lunch is provided.

Finally, if you’re headed into DC to visit the MLK memorial on Monday, Jan. 21, you may want to get there early for the wreathlaying service at 8 am. There also will be a parade at 11:30 am in the Anacostia neighborhood.

2. Make it “a day on, not a day off”

MLK art by Peter Max, an acclaimed artist and icon of pop art

In the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, the holiday for many has become the MLK Day of Sercice, an opportunity to make it “a day on, not day off,” for people to serve in their communities. It’s always best to contact these groups well ahead of time to see what their greatest needs for help are — and when. In addition to the volunteer activities at the Reston Community Center (see section above) other community groups are hosting opportunities to serve.

Locally, check with Volunteer Fairfax, which is a great resource for finding year-round volunteer opportunities, has a day of service planned, called Give Together: A Family Volunteer Day. Nearby, Volunteer Alexandria and Northern Virginia Community College also is implementing a day of service. Projects will include assembling emergency preparedness starter kits, sorting donated food and creating no-sew blankets, and include opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

Also contact the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Carpenter’s Shelter, Alternative House,Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith), Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread), and even animal rescue groups and shelters such as Friends of Homeless Animals, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, Homeless Animals Rescue Team, and Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, to see what their most pressing needs are. They may still be short of volunteers for service projects on MLK Day, or maybe you can drop by with a cash or goods donation.

3. Enjoy time off with the kids

Time with our kids is limited — and precious — so on this day off, enjoy the extra time with your little ones! Want to also add in a bit of fitness, history, and just bonding with nature? On MLK Day, all national parks that normally charge a fee, including nearby Great Falls Park, offer free admission!

Photo credits:
Photo of mosaic artwork, (c) P. Hall, Fairfax Family Fun
Peter Max artwork, (c) Peter Max 2018, used with permission
Smiling family, Stock Unlimited stock photo, used with permission, purchased with membership

1. Honor Dr. King at area celebrations with music, a parade, and volunteering

2. Make it “a day on, not a day off”

3. Enjoy time off with the kids

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