Mon., Jan. 17 marks the 36th year anniversary of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Columbus organizations are hosting events, volunteer opportunities, and celebrations of life. Today, we are breaking down how you can get involved to make this “a day on, not a day off.”

Celebrations

Columbus Annual MLK Day March | Mon., Jan. 17 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Starts at Columbus City Hall | Free | March your way through downtown in honor of MLK’s legacy followed by a lighting up of the statehouse. Pro tip: You can pre-register your car for free parking at the City Parking Garage on 141 N. Front St.
MLK Day Celebration | Mon., Jan. 17 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Ohio History Connection | Free | Kings Arts Complex + the Ohio History Connection have collaborated for a day of MLK celebrations including music and dancing for kids + a special screening of “The Green Book.”
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Fri., Jan. 14-Sun., Jan 22 | Times vary | Tremont Road Library, 2800 Tremont Rd. | Free | Listen to the iconic “I have a dream” speech and virtually tour the National Civil Rights Museum.

Did you know there's a sculpture in downtown Columbus inspired by an MLK speech? | Photo by theCBUStoday

Lend a hand

MLK Day Donation Drive | Mon., Jan. 17 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Polaris Fashion Place | Each entrance to the mall will have non-perishable food bins which will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
MLK Day Heart for Service + Volunteer Fair | Mon., Jan. 17 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hilliard Rec Center, 3800 Municipal Way | For $10, you can purchase a bowl of soup and proceeds will be donated to the Hilliard Food Pantry + enjoy a DJ, MLK puzzles, and arts and crafts.
Love Your Neighbor Food Giveaway | Mon., Jan. 17 | 2-4 p.m. | Love Your Neighbor, 1509 Blatt Blvd. | Help drop off pre-ordered meals and food to cars.

The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park includes quotes from historic leaders. | Photo by theCBUStoday

Looking for more ways to celebrate? The Columbus Metropolitan Library is kicking off their Black History Month celebrations this weekend + all throughout February.