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Roundup of MLK Jr. Day Events in Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan families celebrate the civil rights activist's life on Jan. 21, 2013 in events happening in metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and beyond

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On Monday, Jan. 21, families everywhere will honor civil rights activist, visionary and leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parents and children in southeast Michigan can celebrate what would have been MLK's 84th birthday by attending the vast array of events that will commemorate his work, message and legacy. Check out Metro Parent's round up of events to see what activities are near you and your kids during this day off from school!

DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan

  • Address: 3901 Beaubien St., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-745-5437
  • Time: 1 p.m.
  • Cost: free

Performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Sphinx artists and the Marygrove College Dance Company are in store during this free event. Juanita Moore, president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, will be the keynote speaker.

Village Theater at Cherry Hill

  • Address: 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton
  • Phone: 734-394-5460
  • Time: 5:30 p.m. (reception), 6 p.m. (program)
  • Cost: $2

This tribute, titled Building Bridges: Canton Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will include a pre-program reception featuring light refreshments, a presentation of Dr. King's life in dramatic form, musical performances and a panel discussion. With this many activities at one event, you don't want to miss out!

Hill Auditorium

  • Address: 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
  • Phone: 734-763-3333
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Cost: Free

Families can listen to the inspirational words of Morris Dees, who, as a lawyer and public advocate, devoted his career to fighting hate crimes. As the keynote speaker, Dees will kick off this year's 27th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium, titled 50 Years Later: (R)Evolution of the Dream, to commemorate the work and life of MLK.

Painting with a Twist

  • Address: 320 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
  • Phone: 248-850-7182
  • Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $25

Get in touch with your inner artist at this Ferndale art spot, where you can celebrate MLK Day in a colorful way. Children of all ages can create their own "I Have a Dream" painting to commemorate Dr. King's message of unity and peace. This class will also include a mini motivational workshop and snacks for guests who attend.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

  • Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
  • Phone: 313-494-5800
  • Time: 8 a.m.-10 a.m. (commemorative breakfast), 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. (MLK Day activities)
  • Cost: free with museum admission ($8/ages 13-61, $5/kids ages 3-12 and seniors 62-plus, free/under 3), $35/breakfast

This historical hotspot is hoppin' on Jan. 21! A commemorative breakfast kicks off the series of events. Following breakfast, children are welcome to create crafts, check out concert performances and watch A King Among Us, a video tribute to MLK. If you purchase tickets to the breakfast, you also receive free admission to all MLK Day activities at the museum. Make sure to check this out!

Troy Athens High School

  • Address: 4333 John R St., Troy
  • Phone: 248-524-1147
  • Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Cost: donations welcome

All are welcome to join Athens High School as it hosts a multi-activity event, titled Celebration of Freedom, in honor of MLK Jr. Keynote speaker Rev. Richard Gleason will be sharing his experiences as a former Freedom Rider, so don't miss out on this educational experience.

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