Photo Credit: Chicago History Museum
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day to honor the civil rights crusader and is also a great time to teach kids about his life and what the Nobel Peace Prize winner stood for. The annual holiday has also been designated as a national day of service, for families to work to better their communities.
With museums closed across the area, most family-friendly events have been moved online in 2021 as the country celebrates Dr. King's legacy on Jan. 18.
BBC Interview with Martin Luther King Jr.
When: Anytime
Hosted by: DuSable Museum of African American History
Watch John Freeman’s BBC interview with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 1961. The reshowing of the 30-minute video is part of the DuSable Museum’s Lunch and Learn series.
Grab and Go: MLK Day Craft
When: Jan. 17
Hosted by: Portage-Cragin Branch, Chicago Public Library
Kids ages 5-12 can pick up a craft bag at the Portage-Cragin Library to make a Martin Luther King Jr. Day-inspired craft. These materials will be available beginning Jan. 17 and will be handed out throughout the week while supplies last (all libraries are closed Jan. 18). This craft is intended for children ages 5-12.
King Day Virtual Performance: Rebirth Poetry Ensemble and In the Spirit
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Art Institute of Chicago
As part of the Art Institute’s King Day celebrations, join Rebirth Poetry Ensemble and the performance duo In the Spirit featuring Zahra Baker and Emily Hooper Lansana. Youth poets from the Rebirth Poetry Ensemble have been performing at the annual King Day festival for several years, and this year they’ve created spoken-word pieces in response to the exhibition Bisa Butler: Portraits. In the Spirit, too, is returning to perform for King Day, bringing to life Butler’s quilts and the legacy of Dr. King, through original stories, woven together with rhythm and song.
Chicago Children's Museum's MLK Celebration
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Chicago Children's Museum
During this one-hour virtual presentation, the Chicago Children's Museum will help kids ages 4 and older explore some of the big problems Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wanted to solve, and help kids learn how the struggle for fairness and justice continues today. Children will explore how they personally can lay a role in treating others with fairness and kindness. Activities will include listening and viewing a story, live conversation, writing, and drawing.
MLK Day Celebration with Kido & Broadway Stars
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Kido Chicago & Vasthy's Friends
Join Broadway stars with Vasthy's Friends and Chicago children's book and toy store Kido to learn about the life and mission of Martin Luther King Jr. through song, dance and stories. Special guests include Gilbert L. Bailey II (Beetlejuice, The Book of Mormon) and Sasha Hutchings (Hamilton).
MLK Day: King in Chicago
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Chicago History Museum
Students in preschool through high school can take a virtual tour of the Chicago places Dr. King frequented such as the North Lawndale neighborhood and places of worship, participate in virtual storytelling, and create hands-on history art highlighting Dr. King’s messages of justice, peace, and change. Visit event website for a schedule of discussions, lectures and supply list for art projects.
Media Lab Monday: MLK Day
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Playmaker's Laboratory
Kids ages 8-11 can join the writers at Playmakers Laboratory for Media Lab Monday to learn how to write speeches. The session will focus on Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech as a template and include an introduction to MLK, a guided writing portion and performances from PML's teaching artists. There are sessions in both English and Spanish.
In the Belly of the Beast: King in Chicago
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Yorkville Public Library
Dr. Martin Luther King's journey to the mountaintop included many stops along the way. Between Montgomery and Memphis, he visited Chicago many times in pursuit of justice. History seems to have ignored or forgotten those incredible chapters in his life, and today they feel as relevant as they were 50 years ago. Join entertainer/historian Clarence Goodman for an extraordinary narrative in an extraordinary life.
Gamechangers & Name Changers: A Virtual MLK Day Celebration
When: Jan. 18
Hosted by: Hyde Park Art Center
Through film screenings, conversations, and presentations about movements close to home in Chicago, Hyde Park Art Center has created a program that celebrates local artists, activists and makers who embody the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., and the spirit of justice and visibility.
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