The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will live on forever. We celebrate his victories, we recognize Dr. Kings awards, we bask in his ability to bring the world together for the greater good. He sacrificed his life to bring injustices of African Americans to life. On Jan. 15th, we salute and honor him by celebrating his life. Here’s a list of fun and inspirational activities to enjoy with family and friends.
P.S. Be sure to read our previous articles:
Why We Celebrate Black History Month
How To Teach Kids Black History
Unstoppable African American Women That Created History
5 Can’t Miss Martin Luther King Jr. Events In Chicago
Date: Monday, Jan. 15th
Time: 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 3 p.m.
Location: Chicago Children’s Museum
Entry: No registration is required but space is limited. Pick up a free ticket one hour prior to the performance. This program is recommended for children 4 and older.
An interactive musical which will showcase historical moments during the civil rights movement. This journey back in time includes; moments from King’s historic “I Have A Dream” speech, the integration of a New Orleans elementary school and Montgomery bus boycott. Learn more, here.
King Day Festival: Say It Loud
Date: Monday, Jan. 15th
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Ryan Learning Center at The Art Institute of Chicago
Entry: Free
Share a motivating story, make beautiful art work and enjoy the award winning poetry slam team Reborn Poetry Ensemble. Reflect on the past and imagine what you can do to better the future. Learn more, here.
Date: Monday, Jan. 15th
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Chicago Symphony Center
Entry: $10-$62
Enjoy a Grammy Award Winning show as Langston Hughes 1961 eponymous poem comes to life. Featuring opera, spoken word, orchestra, archive audio and more. Get the details, here.
Date: Monday, Jan. 15th
Time: 9:30am – 4pm
Location: Museum of Science & Industry
Entry: Free for Illinois Residents
Invite your friends and family to test out their engineering skills while learning about African-American scientists, engineers, tech professionals and health care leaders. In addition to building your own prototype in the innovation studio, visitors can see works from hundreds of African American artists from around the country. Learn more, here.
Date: Monday, Jan. 15th
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Chicago History Museum
Entry: Free to Illinois Residents
Learn about the life and legacy of Dr. King through live performances, story telling, arts and crafts.
Here’s a list of fun activities the kids will love while gaining knowledge about African American History. Learn more, here.
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Kids’ crafts with artist Sue Romanelli
All ages welcome
2nd floor, Elizabeth Morse Room
10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.
Storytelling for Kids
30-minute performance by storyteller Gwen Hilary and musician Enoch Williamson
Recommended for pre-K through 2nd grade
2nd floor, Elizabeth Morse Genius Room
10:30 a.m.
The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights
Produced by Writers Theatre
45-minute performance followed by post-show discussion
Recommended for 6th grade and up
1st floor, Robert R. McCormick Theater
12:30 p.m.
Precious Lord: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
45-minute performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir
Recommended for 3rd grade and up; all ages welcome
1st floor, Robert R. McCormick Theater
1:45* and 2:30 p.m.*
“I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr.
Reenactment by Oba William King
All ages welcome
1st floor, Robert R. McCormick Theater
3:15 p.m.*
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speech at Chicago Freedom Movement rally, July 10, 1966
Reenactment by Oba William King, followed by Q&A
All ages welcome
1st floor, Robert R. McCormick Theater
Event details and dates are subject to change. Please check the websites to confirm before your visit. Thank you very much for reading! Ro’Shunda
