Community Events where you can learn and serve include:
Monday, January 15 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Orchard Place honors the extraordinary life of Dr. King Jr. and his work to bring justice, equality, and power to the Black community. Orchard Place is committed to continuing his work in fighting against racial injustice, advocating for inclusion, and creating safe and affirming environments for the Black youth we serve. We reflect on the powerful impact and words of Dr. King Jr. and know there is still work to be done. Orchard Place's corporate office, Child Guidance Center and PACE Center will be closed in observance of the holiday. Campus youth will participate in MLK Day programming with Orchard Place staff and volunteers from BHE Renewables.
11th Annual MLK Jr. Breakfast at Drake University
The YMCA’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer Breakfast brings together residents, business and government leaders and representatives of community nonprofit organizations to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and promote his message of peace, justice and opportunity for all. The theme of the 2024 event is “Building Health in Spirit, Mind and Body: Addressing Barriers to Mental Health Equity.” The keynote address will be delivered by Chamique Holdsclaw, WNBA Hall of Fame member and Olympic gold medalist, who has dedicated her life’s work to mental health and wellness activism. The event will also feature the presentation of the Make A Difference Awards, recognizing individuals for their work to advance opportunity and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, presented by Nationwide | YMCA of Greater Des Moines (dmymca.org)
Make a Difference Award 2024 Honorees
Adult: Dr. Nalo Johnson, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation
Youth: Victoria Williams, Ames High School
Organization: NAMI Iowa
Details
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024
Time: 7:30-9:30 am
Location: Drake University Knapp Center, 2601 Forest Ave, Des Moines
Tickets: $50/person
Des Moines Parks & Recreation: Donate & Skate
Des Moines Parks and Recreation is hosting an MLK Jr. Day event at Brenton Skating Plaza on Monday, January 15th – Skate for a cause and support Central Iowa Shelter & Services. Donate 2 non-perishable items or a warm piece of clothing for FREE admission and an extra item for FREE skate rental! Learn More: Brenton Skating Plaza (dsm.city)
The Beloved Community’s MLK celebration
Join us as we celebrate and live out Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community, from the very stage Dr. King spoke from 65 years ago! The service will include powerful worship music, an inspiring message from special guest Brittany K. Barnett, attorney, author, entrepreneur and criminal justice advocate and appearances by Will Ette, Bridges to Harmony and more!
Monday, January 15th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Learn More: https://www.lutheranchurchofhope.org/hope-elim/mlk/
Iowa Department of Human Rights 35th annual MLK celebration
The Iowa Department of Human Rights hosts its annual celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, January 13th. The free event occurs at 10:45 a.m. and can be viewed on the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission Facebook page.
Time: 10:45 a.m. on Jan.13
Ticket Information: Free and open to the public
Location: Iowa State Capitol Rotunda
Iowa Department of Human Rights 35th Annual MLK Celebration Invitation
City of West Des Moines MLK Day community celebration
Sunday, January 14th 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Jordan House Museum
Free tours and book giveaways
Monday, January 15th 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 15th from 3:00-5:00 p.m., at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave. The event will be filled with thought-provoking discussions, educational exhibits, and scholarships and community awards.
Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a community-driven celebration that invites all to stand united in creating a world where justice is upheld.
Register Here
The WDM MLK Day Celebration Event will be livestreamed on the City of West Des Moines' YouTube and Facebook page.
Forest Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance
Join us for our annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of the Des Moines Public School district. He has over twenty years of experience in education, and you can read more about his experience via DMPS.
Live ASL interpretation will be onsite for the speakers, funded by the Forest Avenue Library Brick Fund.
The After School Arts Program (ASAP) will be leading a collaborative art project that children can participate in to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.
After introductions by the Friends of the Forest Avenue Library, Dr. Roberts will speak, followed by a Q-and-A session. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Forest Avenue Library Brick Fund.
All ages are invited to this event, which will include refreshments. Time: 4 p.m. on Jan. 15
Ticket Information: Free
Location: Forest Avenue Library, 1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines Ames/Story County community MLK Day celebration
Learn More: Forest Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration | Des Moines Public Library (dmpl.org)