Parent News

This weekend, as we pause to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader and change maker Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., consider participating in the following activities in our region.

United Way is hosting MLK Call to Service, where volunteers will help assemble snack packs for students who attend tutoring and after-school programs sponsored by the organization. The event will be held at Northside Baptist Church, 333 Jeremiah Blvd., Charlotte, NC on January 14 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Individuals, families, companies, and other groups can organize their own kit-packing activities and drop off the completed kits during the week of January 16th to 20th for distribution by United Way to United way’s partner nonprofit agencies. Registration for the event is required and can be completed on Eventbrite.

Opera Carolina is hosting an MLK concert on January 15 at 4:00 p.m. at Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 1609 E. 5th St., Charlotte, NC featuring famous works from African American composers, such as James Weldon Johnson, Robert Owens, and Florence Price. There will be a reception with fellowship and refreshments following the concert. The event is free and open to all ages. Registration is required.

Join Levine Museum of the New South and Harvey B. Gantt Center on Monday, January 16, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., for a free family day celebration honoring the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! Enjoy drop-in art workshops, theater performances, storytelling, fun trivia games, live music performance, and much more. Full schedule. 

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.

On Monday, Jan. 16, and the days surrounding, AmeriCorps invites you to:

• engage with your community and create constructive action;
• act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity; and
• recommit by volunteering to serve others. You can clean up a public space, mentor a young person, or help those who are food insecure.