BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, Jan. 20, and there are plenty of events happening in the Lehigh Valley to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader.
In 1994, Martin Luther King Jr. Day became the only federal holiday also designated by Congress as a national day of service.
The Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley has a list of service projects such as cleaning parks and organizing food drives to help those in need on its website.
Below are some other museum events, church services and inspiring talks on unity in conjunction with MLK Day differentiated by city.
Allentown
Art museum: Allentown Art Museum’s MLK Jr. Day celebration will celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with a full day of family-friendly activities.
The free event will feature an art-making workshop, and poetry readings with Black and Latino poets Michael Freeman, Jinx Leonard, Lisbeth Brito, Ikea Clinton and Latrice Young.
There will also be live music with Joyful Voices Community Choir, blues singer Bev Conklin and a jazz showcase by the Philadelphia Clef Club Philharmonic.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
Where: 31 N. Fifth St., Allentown
Info: Go to the museum's MLK Day event page.
- - - - -
Daylight vigil: Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Memorial Project Daylight Vigil celebrates the lives of Dr. King and his wife.
The gathering, held in front of bronze statues unveiled by the Project in 2011, will feature a performance of "Lift Every Voice" and a poetry reading.
Attendees are invited to gather in front of the statues at Union Street and Martin Luther King Drive.
For information, visit the MLKCSK Facebook page.
- - - - -
Rebuild the Dream: The Union Baptist Church will host a "Rebuild The Dream MLK Day program" with performances by the church choir, plus spoken word and dance.
Rev. Benjamin T. Hailey Sr. will touch on Dr. King's legacy with messages of "unity and hope."
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday
Where: 302 N. Sixth St.
Info: Contact the church's Facebook page.
- - - - -
Cedar Crest: Enjoy a free meal while helping others at Cedar Crest College's Martin Luther King Jr. Day annual breakfast.
Staff of the college is collecting canned goods and unused hygiene products to add to their on-campus resource pantry.
When: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday
Where: Cedar Crest College, 100 College Drive (parking in Lot C).
Info: Visit the college's website to register.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem NAACP annual MLK celebration will take place at St. John A.M.E Zion Church.
This year's theme is "The Battle is Not Ours, It is the Lord's" with guest speaker, Pastor Shanise M. Palmer.
Lehigh Valley community leaders, including NAACP Bethlehem's Esther Lee, are expected to attend along with members of the Allentown NAACP.
The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.
When: noon, Monday
Where: 718 Pawnee St.
Info: Visit the Bethlehem NAACP website.
Easton
The Greater Shiloh Church of Easton will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration with musical performances by youth groups and remarks from local leaders.
When: 6:15 p.m. on Monday
Where: 403 Pastor Fred Davis St.
Info: For more details visit the church's website.
- - - - - -
Birthday party: The JBY ("Just Be You") Academy& Performing Arts Conservatory is partnering with the Easton Area Community Center to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with a "Birthday Party."
Activities include music, crafts, trivia and light refreshments. Children will be led through a recitation of portions of King's "I Have a Dream" speech with support from Director Mahogany Reynolds-Clarke.
When: 2 to 4 p.m Monday.
Where: Easton Area Community Center, 901 Washington St. Easton, PA 18042
Info: RSVP is required. Families are asked to RSVP via email: jbyacademykids@gmail.com.
