Photo Credit: Chicago History Museum
MLK 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. Local Chicago museums and other organizations are hosting family-friendly events before and on Monday, Jan. 20 to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and empower local children to be the change-makers of the future.
Family Day at Hull House
When: Jan. 19
Where: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Celebrate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, that granted women the right to vote 100 years ago. Hear stories about activism and resistance during story time in the interactive children’s corner. Express yourself through theater games inspired by Viola Spolin, a Hull-House pioneer of American improvisation. Or, simply warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, cider and snacks.
What Does It Mean, Dr. King?
When: Jan. 19-20
Where: Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Take a journey back in time and learn about the complex issues of prejudice and equality through our interactive musical drama. The play touches upon several key historical moments, including the Montgomery bus boycott, the integration of a New Orleans elementary school, and the March on Washington.
MLK Tribute Concert
When: Jan. 19-20
Where: Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville (Jan. 19) & Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (Jan. 20)
The Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through family, equity and the encouragement to execute positive change. Featuring several special guests, highlights will include the Chicago premiere of Joel Thompson’s The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, allowing listeners to experience a sweeping, musical journey meant to drive poignant conversation and change in society.
The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights
When: Jan. 20
Where: Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark St., Chicago
Enjoy a production of The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights by Writers Theatre and a musical performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir along with storytelling and crafts that reflect his messages of peace and justice.
King Day 2020: Focused on Freedom
When: Jan. 20
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
Join the museum for its annual family day program featuring music, lectures, performances, and crafts for the entire family to enjoy.
What Does it Mean, Dr. King? photo by Eliza Poznanski
King Day Festival: Tomorrow is Today
When: Jan. 20
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe, Chicago
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and create a vision for the future guided by artists and activists at work today. Chicago-based sound and visual artist Damon Locks presents a music performance with his Black Monument Ensemble. Families can add their own messages of hope for the future to silkscreened postcards from multidisciplinary artist William Estrada’s Mobile Street Art Cart.
Black Creativity Family Day
When: Jan. 20
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Families can participate in a community art experience, design and test a prototype during the opening of the Innovation Studio, and explore the Juried Art Exhibition.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
When: Jan. 20
Where: Kido, 1137 S. Delano Ct., Chicago
Families can enjoy live music performances, crafts for parents and kids to do together, and readings of Dr. King's inspirational words.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
When: Jan. 20
Where: Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan
Community members will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by donating their time to pack meals for those in need. Children will participate in our annual drop-in children’s service project, supporting Color a Smile. Families may stop by the Children’s Department during the day to create cards to send to those in need, including seniors and veterans.
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