BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Whether through volunteering or hearing stories about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s strides for equality, there are several ways to honor his legacy this year.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday in January, which is this coming Monday.
It is the only federal holiday that is designated by Congress as a national day of service. For ideas on how to give back, the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley has featured opportunities for ways to observe MLK Jr. Day on its website.
In addition, there are several remembrance ceremonies happening in the region.
Monday, Jan. 15
The Lehigh Conference of Churches Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast at 9:30 a.m. will be held inside Flag Hall at 457 W. Allen St., Allentown.
This year's keynote speaker is Winston Alozie, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club in Bethlehem.
Following his speech, Poets for Justicefounder Zena Goodwin will perform, along with music by Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Allentown.
Before closing, "Songs of the Civil Rights Era" will be presented by Rev. Kari Holmes, followed by special remarks by Pastor Genie Watson of the Ecumenical Association of the Lehigh Valley Conference of Churches.
For info, email gwatson@lehighchurches.org or call 610-433-6421.
The Allentown Art Museum's annual MLK Jr. Day celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a showcase by the museum's Community Art+Action Fellow Chloe Cole Wilson.
Her exhibition “Restoring Petals,” opens that day, and showcases Wilson's tales of love, life and healing among the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The multi-sensory experience begins at 2:30 p.m. and will feature spoken word performances, choral poetry by Latrice Young and a musical performance by Darius Foster.
Before the performance, there will be story time for kids in the Rodale Classroom at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Additionally, check out the mindfulness and creative activity (in partnership with the Children's Home of Easton) in the Crayola Classroom from noon to 3 p.m., and a curator tour of the American galleries at 1 p.m.
Admission is free to the museum. For info, click here.
Allentown's NAACP chapter hosts a "Thriving Together" event starting at 11 a.m. at the St. James AME Zion Church, 410 Union St., Allentown.
This year's keynote speaker is attorney Keir Bradford-Grey, chief public defender in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
The event is free. For info, click here.
The Bethlehem chapter of the NAACP's"Stony the Road We Trod" observance begins at 3 p.m. at Sayre Hall inside the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St.
Guest speakers include Zoe Bronson, a political science major and Africana studies minor with a pre-law concentration at Moravian University.
There will also be a music provided by students from Northeast Middle School, Nitschmann Middle School and a special dance presentation by the En L'Air Dance Company.
Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP suggested. To learn more, email jlee975@gmail.com or call 610-866-2078.
The procession for the Dr. Martin Luther King Civil Rights Movement March begins at 11:45 a.m. in front of the Comfort Suites, 120 W. Third St., Bethlehem.
The route proceeds to Martin Luther King Park on Carlton Avenue (passing the memorials of Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King).
Scheduled to appear are Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds; Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk; Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.; former Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck; former Northampton County Councilman Kerry Myers; Chief of Staff for Pennsylvania Sen. Lisa Boscola, Joe Kelly; and judges from Northampton County Court.
For info, call 484-809-8064.
Greater Shiloh Church willcommemorate King's legacy with keynote speaker Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin A. Davis starting at 6:30 p.m. at 403 Pastor Fred Davis St., Easton. To learn more, click here.
Bring a candle to the Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King Memorial in Allentown.
A day-lit vigil at the bronze statues, unveiled in 2011, begins at noon.
Attendees are invited to gather at Union Street and Martin Luther King Drive.
For info, click here or call.
The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum hosts its "During Ideals and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," celebration beginning at noon at 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown.
Organizers say particpants can Learn about King's inspirational rise to historical prominence and discover some of his messages of understanding, reconciliation and nonviolent resistance.
Refreshments will be served.
Admission is free. For info, call 610-435-1074, lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org.
The Lower Macungie Library celebrates the life and legacy of King beginning at 9:30 a.m. at 3450 Brookside Road, Macungie.
There will be select books available to read, along with artwork and interactive displays.
The inspirational works will be up through Saturday, Jan. 20.
For info, visit lowermaclib.org
Wednesday, Jan. 17
Penn State Lehigh Valley's "We Are Sharing Our Stories" celebration begins at 12:15 p.m. in Room 135.
Organized by the Student Affairs and the All in Campus Committee, the event allows attendees to share their stories (with a fill-in template provided upon arrival) about personal history, background, culture and interests.
For info, click here.
