This Monday, the nation honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Known as a social activist and a religious leader, who peacefully fought for racial equality. He helped lead the Civil Rights movement and was a champion of the people.
Honoring the Memory of MLK
On Monday, January 18, 2021, the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Connecticut has organized several activities to honor this day in a safe manner during the pandemic. Please find below the various events that are taking place:
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- The MLK Heritage Organization of Greater Branford is hosting the 36th annual Branford MLK Day Breakfast on Monday, January 18th, at 8 a.m. It will feature a Zoom conversation with well-known anti-racism expert Jane Elliot. Tickets are $15. For more details, visit: www.facebook.com/MLKBreakfastCommittee
- Ridgefield’s 25th anniversary MLK Jr. Day will start its “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week,” Jan. 17-21 of virtual events. It will start with a conversation with Layla F. Saad, bestselling author of the 2020 book “Me and White Supremacy,” on January 17th at noon. Followed by more readings and panel discussions. RSVP for Zoom link access, all are welcomed. Space is limited. For more events, this week, visit www.westportplayhouse.org.
- The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art will present Martin Luther King Jr. Community Day: Messages of Hope at 600 Main Street, Hartford. It will be held on Monday, January 18th, from noon to 5 p.m. Folks can pick up a free art kit to create collages at home. The Museum will have tours and family tours too. It should be noted that you must pre-register, and tour capacities are limited. There will be virtual activities as well. To reserve your timed tickets and more info, visit my.thewadsworth.org.
- The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History has begun a digital festival series, starting January 14th and ending on January 18th. The future of environmental and social justice will be among conversation topics, with the space for critical dialogue. There will be storytelling, spoken word, music, and even dance performances. Find out more at peabody.yale.edu.
- The New Haven Museum will be holding its 25th annual “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice” through Zoom on January 18th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. It will feature storytelling by various writers and authors, such as Dr. Robbie Thomas and her children’s book “Mommy Why Am I Different?” Special dance performances by New Haven’s Neighborhood Music School’s Premier Dance Company, the Keepers of the Culture Performing Arts Company, as well as the M’Bosse Dance Company of Senegal. Register for free at www.eventbrite.com
- The Bruce Museum will be hosting “Digital Family Day for Martin Luther King Jr. Day” on January 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities based on the Museum’s current exhibitions will be a part of the day’s celebrations. More information is available at www.brucemuseum.org.
- The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is hosting its MLK Science Workshop for children from January 16th through the 18th from 11 a.m to 3 p.m, in various time slots. There will be set capacities and social distancing. Masks are mandatory. Members: $12/class/child, Non-members: $15/class/child. For more details, email info@stamfordmuseum.org.
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- Ambler Farm will play host to a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Giving on Jan. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the White Carriage Barn in Wilton. A food drive will be held, and all are asked to drop off paper goods, non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies for those in need.
- Tune to New Canaan’s Channel 79 here. All are encouraged to continue his acts of service by donating to the Foodbank of Lower Fairfield County.
- The Interfaith Council of New Canaan will hold a virtual celebration of Dr. King’s accomplishments on January 18th, at 10:30 a.m., on local Channel 79.
- JCC Stamford hosts a Zoom event on January 18th at 5 p.m. Songs of Dreams: A Multi-Genre Musical Celebration of MLK Day, by OMJCC/National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance in honor of King and his legacy. James Sokol will explore the experience of “dreams” through different musical genres. Tickets start at $5 to $12.50; find out more on www.eventbrite.com.
