Detroit ~ As the nation pauses each January to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s worth remembering that some of his most powerful moments unfolded not in Washington, but months earlier in the heart of Detroit. In June of 1963, more than 100,000 people filled Woodward Avenue for what became the largest civil rights demonstration in the country at that time — the Walk to Freedom. Witnesses recall the streets packed shoulder-to-shoulder, a peaceful sea of people marching for equality, justice, and dignity. The march spotlighted discrimination in housing, education, employment, and policing — issues Dr. King addressed head-on when the crowd gathered at Cobo Hall. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
HERE ARE SOME EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING:
Detroit MLK Day Rally & March ~ The annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March will take place on Monday, Jan. 19 at 12 p.m. at St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church at 8850 Woodward Ave. The March will take place at 2 p.m.
A Dream Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of the Black Church in Detroit During the Civil Rights Movement Detroit Historical Museum ~ Enjoy historical presentations and crafts that reflect Rev. Martin Luther King Jr,’s values of faith, justice and community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ~ Come to the Wright Museum for a full day of free activities from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attend a bike ride led by Tour de Troit, observe historical reenactments, listen to some storytelling, watch a film screening, and participate in discussions.
MLK at the DIA ~ The museum will be open during its regular hours with a few different ways to honor MLK’s legacy. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be Collage Portraits workshop inspired by artists displayed in the museum’s African American Galleries. At 2 p.m. in the Rivera Gallery, there will be a civil rights song sing-along featuring poetry from the InsideOut Literary Arts program, followed by a march to the Wright Museum.
MLK Day at The Henry Ford ~ A historic chair used by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be on display at The Henry Ford from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19. Admission and parking to the museum will be free.
