Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 15 this year, opening up the day to learn, reflect, give back and celebrate the Civil Rights leader. Miami, a city he spent a lot of time in, is home to many events, celebrations and volunteer opportunities. There are many ways to participate in the momentous day, from a celebratory parade to service projects.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate Martin Luther King Day this year in Miami:
1. Join the 47th Annual MLK Day Parade
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Liberty City’s annual MLK Day Parade, running along NW 54th Street from 10th to 32nd Avenue, will once again commemorate the eight mile route Dr. King frequently traveled during his time in Miami. The parade is comprised of high school marching bands, dance and drill teams, cheerleaders, local politicians and community leaders. This is one of the country’s oldest and largest MLK celebrations, drawing crowds of more than 500,000 in years past.
When: January 15, 11 a.m.
Where: NW 54th Street, Miami
2. Get your fitness on at the 39th annual MLK 5K Run & Fitness Walk
Start your day with the annual 5K Run & Fitness Walk at the MLK Plaza metro station, open to all ages. While the race begins at 8 a.m., participants must arrive for registration between 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
When: January 15, 8 a.m.
Where: MLK Plaza Metrorail Station, 6205 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33147
3. Visit a National Park for free
One of the many things you could do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is visit a stunning national park for free, like the Everglades or Dry Tortugas National Park. To honor King’s birthday, National Park Service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone as the first free fee day of the year.
When: January 15
4. Head to the annual Homestead/Florida City Community Breakfast
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Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King at a free community breakfast at the Phichol Williams Community Center. This year’s gathering will be themed “Equity in Education: Bridging History and Progress,” which will shed light on the significance of equal and equitable access to education and its importance to ongoing civil rights movements across the nation. Reservation to the breakfast is required.
When: Phichol Williams Community Center, 951 SW 4th St, Homestead, FL 33030
Where: January 12, 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
5. Get hands on with an MLK Day Service Project
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If you’re looking to be selfless and give back to the community, volunteer at the Belafonte Tacolcy Center this year. Hosted by the Greater Miami Service Corps, in collaboration with various other local groups, volunteer efforts include painting, mulching, litter removal and plantings. Breakfast snacks and refreshments will be provided.
When: January 13, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Belafonte Tacolcy Center, NW 62nd Street & 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
6. Enjoy a night of jazz, poetry and essays
Join Miami Jazz Cooperative and Sunshine Jazz Organization for a night of essays, poetry and music by an amazing ensemble, celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
When: January 15, 8 p.m.
Where: UU Congregation of Miami, 7701 SW 76th Ave, Miami, FL 33143
7. Indulge in a special menu at Red Rooster
Partnering with the Overtown Youth Center & Alonzo Mourning Foundation, Red Rooster Overtown is paying homage to MLK Day with a cooking demo on Jan. 15, led by head chef Charles Page on the essence of self-reliance, creativity and health consciousness. A discussion by a local jazz artist will follow, to shine a light on the significant role of music in the cultural heritage of Overtown, before moving up to the Pool Hall and learning about the connections the venue holds to Dr. King, a place where he frequently gathered and organized.
From January 12-15, the restaurant will serve an a la carte menu commemorating MLK’s civil rights movement that includes their take on Southern food including Lamb Gnocchi Bolognese, Smokey Fried Quail, Seafood Gumbo, BBQ Scottish Salmon, Dry Rubbed Smoked St. Louis Cut Ribs and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
When: January 12 – 15
Where: Red Rooster Overtown, 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136