What you should know about Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus

Fifty-seven years after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the nation remembers him as a hero who fought tirelessly against segregation and discrimination.

Today, MLK Day marks the first three-day weekend of the year, when many have time off from school and work.

What you should know:What is open and closed on MLK Day? Is it a federal holiday? Here’s what you should know

But with this year’s federal holiday falling on Inauguration Day – only the third time in U.S. history – and with flags flying at half-staff this month in memory of the late President Carter, perhaps now is the time To refresh your knowledge of important American personalities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the holiday.

Do you need a break? Play the USA TODAY daily crossword puzzle.

Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?

Born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, King was a Baptist minister who soon became a leader in the civil rights movement.

King played a leading role in the abolition of Jim Crow laws in the United States with the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and continued to advocate for racial justice with the passage of the Voting Rights Act the following year.

King received the Nobel Peace Prize for leading a nonviolent campaign four years before his assassination.

King had advocated for justice and equality since the mid-1950s and was known for his peaceful advocacy and charismatic words, which produced the famous “I Have a Dream” speech that brought nearly 250,000 people to the March on Washington in 1963.

A tireless soldier:Martin Luther King Jr. set an example of freedom, justice and equality.

Why do we celebrate MLK Day?

President Ronald Regan signed the bill nearly 20 years after King’s assassination to honor his life as a national holiday. Although the holiday was adopted in 1983, it was not officially celebrated until 1986.

Americans celebrate King’s legacy every year on the third Monday of January, which roughly corresponds to his actual birthday. It is also consistent with the Uniform Holiday Act of 1968, which guarantees workers a long weekend.

MLK Day is Monday, January 20, 2025.

On this day, Americans are encouraged to engage in civic and community service in honor of King’s legacy.

MLK Day in Columbus

The first MLK Day March in Columbus took place in 1987, a year after the federal holiday. Since then, the city has held annual celebrations for the community.

The Ohio History Connection and the King Arts Complex will host their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day open house at the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., on Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We are excited to once again partner with the King Arts Complex and bring the Central Ohio community together to celebrate Dr. “To honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy,” said Lyn Logan-Grimes, manager of school and inclusive community programs at OHC.

“This event is a strong reminder of Dr. King’s legacy and provides an incredible opportunity for the entire family to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.”

Admission is free and includes musical and live theater performances, civil rights education, arts activities and tours of the Ohio History Center. Registration is possible at ohiohistory.org.

Find more events in and around Columbus to celebrate MLK Day here

Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Dinner

The Columbus Education Association’s 44th MLK Jr. Awards Dinner honoring outstanding community leaders on January 16 will feature MSNBC-TV host, political strategist, political commentator and author Symone Sanders as the keynote speaker. A social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Battelle North Ballroom, 400 N. High St.

Details: Tickets are $50 and tables are available for $400 for a table of eight. Call 614-253-4731 to reserve your spot.

MLK Day March

The City of Columbus’ MLK Day March will be held Monday at the Lincoln Theater, 769 E. Long St. It starts at 3:30 p.m., with the main event taking place at 5:00 p.m

Details: To respond for free, visit columbus.gov.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning

The 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Learning at Capital University, 1 College and Main, will be held Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be attended by State Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Dontavius Jarrells.

Details: For more information and to register for free, visit Capital.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture/annual-events/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-learning.

MLK Youth Service Day

The MLK Day of Youth Service with Seeds of Caring will be held Monday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Ohio History Center. For children ages 2 to 12, there will be activities to make cleaning kits, breakfast kits and suncatchers.

Details: To register for free, visit seedsofcaring.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast

The 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast will be held Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St. Presented by the Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc., your day can begin with an uplifting message of hope, celebration of life and unity

Two-time award-winning national journalist, acclaimed Ivy League researcher and lecturer, and powerful speaker Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins is the keynote speaker.

Details: Tickets are $50 and advance registration is required at eventbrite.com.

Westerville Dr. MLK Jr. Breakfast Celebration

The Westerville Dr. MLK Jr. Breakfast Celebration will be held Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Medallion Club, 5000 Club Drive, Westerville.

With the theme “Creating the Beloved Community Even When We Disagree,” the event’s keynote speaker will be Live With Lyfe, LLC Founder and CEO Kenston Henderson Sr.

Details: Tickets are $35 per person. To register, visit eventbrite.com.

Worthington MLK Celebration

The Worthington community will welcome Dr. Celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual celebration Monday at 11 a.m. at Worthington United Methodist Church. 600 High St. Worthington graduate and Emmy Award-winning journalist Dana Tyler will share her story as the keynote speaker. Musical performances will be presented by Capriccio Columbus and the Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra.

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What you should know about Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus

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