On April 4, 1968, the world lost its most famous civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when he was slain outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
While he passed away too soon, Dr. King’s legacy lives on. And on Jan. 16, 2023, families in southeast Michigan can celebrate his life through a variety of special programs, volunteer opportunities and more.
While kids are off from school, parents can use this day as a way to talk about race and diversity. For those in Macomb County looking to get out in the community to honor Dr. King, browse this list of MLK Day events in Macomb County.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic some events may require face masks and may enforce strict safety protocols. Check with your chosen event for more.
Macomb Community College’s MLK Day of Service
Jan. 9-12, 2023
- Address: Packet pickup/drop-off at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
Hundreds of Macomb Community College faculty and students celebrate this national day of service by volunteering at different locations within the community — from the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to Windemere Park to Focus Hope and more. Pick up your day of service project information Jan. 9-12 and drop off your completed project Jan. 23-24.
35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration of Macomb County
Jan. 16-17, 2023
- Address: Mount Clemens High School, 155 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens, and Grace Episcopal Church, 115 S. Main St., Mount Clemens
- Time: Varies by event
This event kicks off on Sunday with a celebration of three local churches that work to ensure that Dr. King’s legacy is not forgotten. Monday features the annual Walk for Unity from Mount Clements High School to Grace Episcopal Church.
Celebrate MLK Day
Jan. 16, 2023
- Address: Clinton-Macomb Public Library, North Branch, 54100 Broughton Road, Macomb
- Time: 10 a.m.
Drop into the library’s story room for fun activities and a video presentation on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
School’s Out Skate
Jan. 16, 2023
- Address: The New Rink, 50625 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
- Time: 1-5 p.m.
Have some roller skating fun after your day of service.
M.L. King Day at Painting with a Twist
Jan. 16, 2023
- Address: 29004 Gratiot Ave., Roseville
- Time: 2 and 5 p.m.
Painting with a Twist in Roseville is highlighting MLK Day by inviting locals to come and celebrate by painting. Choose from the Ruby with a Heart design at 2 p.m. or the Black Lives Matter design at 5 p.m. Both sessions are open to all ages but pre-registration is required.
This post was originally published in 2020 and is updated regularly.
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
