Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in the Northland

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed each year on the third Monday of January, and became a federal holiday when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law in 1983. King’s actual birthday is January 15. This year, there will be a number of events this weekend and on Monday, January 15 to honor and remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Virginia:

A MLK Peace and Unity March and Rally will take place on Monday, January 15 at the Iron Train Motors Convention Center (ITMEC) in Virginia from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The community is invited to “Walk a Mile for MLK” from 11:00 am to Noon on the indoor walking track at the ITMEC. At Noon, keynote speaker, Timothy Berry, Ed.D., Interim Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs & Equity Initiatives and a professor of educational leadership at Minnesota State University Mankato, will share his thoughts and experiences regarding Martin Luther King, Jr’s significant work and legacy. There will be additional local speakers. A bounce-house, games, and face painting will be available for children. This event is free and open to the public. This free family event is brought to the community through a partnership between Minnesota North College – Mesabi Range, the Virginia Human Rights Commission, Virginia and Eveleth Elks Clubs, US Steel, and the Iron Trail Motors Event Center.

In Duluth:

On Sunday, January 14th there will be a Community Worship Service at 4:00 p.m. at the Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC, 2310 E 4th St. in Duluth. Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown will officiate. This service will be a modern-day expression of the Black Church tradition that nurtured the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Central Hillside Gospel Choir will also perform.

On Monday, January 15 there will be a Gathering and March for Martin Luther King Jr. Day from 9:30 – 11:45 AM at the Family Freedom Center (Washington Center Gymnasium) entrance between 3rd and 4th Street on 1st Ave. West. The March will begin on Lake Street between 34d and 4th Avenue.

Then a Martin Luther King Jr. Rally will be held at the DECC-Symphony Hall, 350 Harbor Drive in Duluth from noon – 1:30 p.m.

In Superior:

The City of Superior Mayor’s Commission on Communitites of Color along with the Superior Public Library will hold a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave. in Superior at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16. There will be a speaker, BIPOC Art & Poetry, story reading for children and other activities.

For additinal Community Events visit https://www.wdio.com/community-events/