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. 17, 2022, 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. 10-20, 2022
- Address: Packet pickup/drop-off at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 10-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 19-20
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. 10-11 and drop off your completed project Jan. 19-20.
MLK Day Youth Conference
Jan. 15, 2022
- Address: Virtual
- Time: 2 p.m.
This conference for kids, which is brought to you by Andy Levin SHOULD WE SAY WHO HE IS?, includes a panel discussion with activists on how kids can make meaningful change, Dr. King’s philosophies and the future of social justice.
35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration of Macomb County
Jan. 16-17, 2022
- 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.
MLK Annual Recognition Breakfast 2022
Jan. 17, 2022 (Postponed)
- Address: MRCC Banquet Center, 23401 Mound Road, Warren
- Time: 9 a.m.
This annual event features keynote speaker Bishop Edgar Vann and musical guest Vickie Winans. This year’s theme is “Where do we go from here?” Note: Due to COVID-19, this event has been postponed until further notice.
MLK Day at Sky Zone Shelby Township
Jan. 17, 2022
- Address: 50810 Sabrina Drive, Shelby Township
- Time: 10 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
After doing your day of service, families can enjoy wall-to-wall trampoline fun at this spot, which is offering extended hours for the holiday.
Celebrate MLK Day
Jan. 17, 2022
- 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.
MLK Jr. Day Pop Up Peace Painting
Jan. 17, 2022
- Address: The Art Shack SCS, 23707 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
- Time: 11 a.m.-noon
Honor MLK Jr. Day and the legacy of Dr. King by painting peace signs and remembering the lessons that he taught through his Civil Rights work.
School’s Out Skate
Jan. 17, 2022
- 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. 17, 2022
- 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.
For more information about living in Macomb County, visit the Make Macomb Your Home website.
This post was originally published in 2020 and is updated regularly.
