Film screenings, music, crafts, and cleanups await you this MLK Day in Philly

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day is just around the corner, and for many it just means an extra-long weekend. But of all the holidays we observe here in the United States, MLK Day is one that truly reminds us of what it means to stand up for one's beliefs and for civil rights, and serve those around us with grace, dignity, and integrity: qualities, that of late, seem to be forgotten in our country. So make the most of your MLK Day. Volunteer at a local shelter (I recommend Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission), take time to reflect at a film screening at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP), or celebrate those who came before through music and poetry at the Museum of the American Revolution (MOAR). Philadelphia has a bit of everything to help you honor Dr. King and inspire you to make a difference.

Films at AAMP: Whose Streets?

Blacks today are still shackled by the chains of systemic racism and discrimination in this country, as Dr. King famously highlighted in his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech nearly 56 years ago. In Whose Streets?, a documentary that takes an unflinching look at the Ferguson, Missouri, uprising, it's evident we still have a long way to go. Told by activists and leaders, the film chronicles the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown and the aftermath of his death. Catch the screening on Friday, January 18, at 6:30pm at the African American Museum of Philadelphia (AAMP, 701 Arch St). Doors open at 6pm. The screening will be followed by a community talkback with culture expert and media personality Stephanie Renee, CEO of First Degree Consulting, and organizer and youth advocate Gabriel Bryant. The event is free with RSVP.

Protest/Resistance: Music that Surrounds the Songs of the Civil Rights Movement with Ruth Naomi Floyd and special guests

Vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd and guests will celebrate the music surrounding the civil rights movement, which was deeply rooted in the improvisational themes of jazz. Jazz reflected the movements of justified rage, lament, hope, and joy, and its rhythms strengthened and encouraged African Americans in their quest for freedom, as Dr. King once noted. Become immersed in the sounds of a movement with Floyd and guests Aaron Graves, V. Shayne Frederick, Bethlehem Roberson, and Deion Peyton on Sunday, January 20, from 2pm to 3:30pm at AAMP. General admission is $2.

We Shall: A Lyrical MLK Celebration

Pay tribute to Dr. King through an engaging intermingling of spoken word, singing and instrumental music at We Shall: A Lyrical MLK Celebration at the MOAR on Saturday, January 19, from 3pm to 4:30pm. Honor one of America’s greatest activists and thinkers through excerpts of King’s speeches and sermons, as well as through gospel, jazz, and blues music featuring vocalists Kareem Idris, Toby VEnT Martin, James Solomon, pianist Kendrah Butler-Waters, guitarist Jocko McNelly, and percussionist Kimpedro Rodriguez. This performance is free with museum admission.

MLK weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary (2027 Fairmount Ave) commemorates Dr. King and his 1963 "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" with special readings from the landmark text during its MLK weekend celebration. Professional actors, youth readers, and community leaders will read portions of King’s letter three times a day on Saturday, January 19; Sunday, January 20, and Monday, January 21, at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm. An informal Q&A moderated by a civil rights scholar will follow each reading. The readings are free and open to the public. Children will also have an opportunity to reflect on what Dr. King and his legacy mean to them during a free art program on Monday, January 21.

MLK day of service on the waterfront

Give back this MLK Day by volunteering to clean up the Delaware River waterfront on January 21 from 1pm to 3pm. Join the Independence Seaport Museum, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, and United By Blue for a day of service and fun as volunteers and staffers clean up portions of Christopher Columbus Boulevard. As a thank-you, participants can enjoy full-day access to the Seaport Museum, plus snacks and drinks prior to the cleanup. Discounted ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will also be available to participants. Registration is required.