Here’s where to celebrate and volunteer for Martin Luther King Day in the Triangle
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, and several events in the Triangle have been planned to commemorate the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader and preacher.
The national holiday is on Monday, and government offices in the Triangle and some businesses will be closed for the day.
Here is a list of events around the Triangle to participate in. Know of an event we should mention? Email metroeds@newsobserver.com.
Friday, Jan. 13
Apex
Black Authors & Black Artists Exhibit at the Halle Cultural Arts Center
Where: 237 N. Salem St., Apex
When: 6:30 p.m.
As part of the Town of Apex’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Weekend, the work of several Black authors and artists will be displayed at the Cultural Center.
The event will also include a student oratorical contest.
Learn more about the event at apex.org and linktr.ee/townofapexmlk.
Cary
A Night of Comedy with Azeem
Where: The Cary Theater at 122 E. Chatham St.
When: 8 p.m.
The 20-year comedian has performed on BET, Comedy Central, and Comic View with his brand of “conscious comedy.” Tickets for the show are $15 and can be purchased at thecarytheatre.com.
The event is part of the town’s weekend-long Dreamfest celebration that runs from Jan. 13-16.
Saturday, Jan. 14
Apex
The MLK Unity March
Where: Apex First Baptist Church on 419 S. Salem St.
When: 8 a.m.
The march ends at the Apex Town Hall at 73 Hunter St. with a brief outdoor prayer rally, followed by a youth summit at the Apex Senior Center at 63 Hunter St.
More information about the free event can be found at apex.org.
Holly Springs
Free Breakfast
Where: St. Mary’s FWB Church at 9305 Holly Springs Road
When: 8:45 a.m.
Keynote speaker is North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls
Details can be found at hsmlk.org.
Cary
MLK Dreamfest: Tellebration
Where: Page-Walker Arts & History Center at 119 Ambassador Loop
When: 10 a.m. to noon
This storytelling event for children will feature award-winning storyteller Willa Brigham
Bring gently used books for donation
More details at townofcary.org.
Winter Accessories Collection
Where: The Cary Arts Center at 101 Dry Ave.
When: 5 to 7 p.m.
The Sigma Rho Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. hosts the clothing drive in conjunction with Dreamfest.
Please bring items to donate to Reedy Creek Middle School, including socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and earmuffs. Other wish lists items are student book bags
More information is available at townofcary.org.
MLK Dreamfest Celebration: Reimagining the Dream for Today’s Generation
Where: Cary Arts Center at 101 Dry Ave.
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The free event features speaker Dr. Harry L. White of Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Raleigh.
Other performers include NCCU Repertory Dance Co., BUMP The Triangle Youth Ensembles, Pure Life Theatre Company, MC Quiet Storm, SRMH “E-Motion” Dance Company and the Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Food will be served at 5 p.m. and is provided by D’ Presto, Lee’s Kitchen, Kitoko Bites and Cinnabon Food Truck of NC
More information about the celebration is found at townofcary.org.
Durham
Geer Cemetery Clean-Up
Where: Geer Cemetery at 800 Colonial St.
When: 10 a.m. to noon
The cemetery is one of the oldest African American cemeteries in the city
For information, email volunteers@friendsofgeercemetary.org.
MLK: Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts
Where: W. D. Hill Recreation Center at 1308 Fayetteville St.
When: 2 to 5 p.m.
Durham Parks and Recreation is hosting the event that features visual art, poetry, live performances and crafts. The event is free and welcome to all ages.
More information is at dprplaymore.org.
Raleigh
2023 MLK Jr. Holiday Stepshow
Where: Sanderson High School Auditorium at 5500 Dixon Drive
When: 4 to 7 p.m.
The ticketed event features elementary, middle and high school students from Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Rocky Mount, Warrenton and Fayetteville.
More details can be found at stepshow4u.com.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Apex
MLK Social Justice Sunday Service
Where: Apex First Baptist Church at 419 S. Salem Street
When: 11 a.m.
Cary
Dreamfest: “Alice Street”: Artists as Activists
Where: The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham St.
When: 2 p.m.
The free panel discussion is centered around the “Alice Street” film about a community of diverse street artists that have to unite to save an artistic symbol of cultural representation. The director of the film will be present.
The event is free but a ticket is required. You can get them at thecarytheater.com.
Interfaith Service
Where: Christ the King Lutheran Church
Where: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Information can be found at ctkcary.com.
Holly Springs
March to Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center
Where: Gather at Food Lion at 517 N. Main St.
When: 2:30 p.m., gather time
The march will take place from the Food Lion to the Cultural Arts Center followed by a program at 4 p.m.
Keynote speaker is Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Raleigh
Chapel Hill
University/Community MLK Memorial Banquet
Where: The Friday Center, 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill
When: 6 p.m.
The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Leah Cox.
Information can be found at diversity.unc.edu.
Monday, Jan. 16 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service
Raleigh
The 43rd annual Martin Luther King Memorial March
Where: Downtown at the State Capitol Building, Edenton Street Side
When: 11 a.m., lineup begins at 10 a.m.
All civic organizations, community leaders, and families are invited to the city’s annual march.
Details at trianglemlk.com.
MLK Jr. Day Mass
Where: The Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral at 715 Nazareth St.
When: 12 p.m.
Please bring diapers unopened, in original packaging, for donation to Catholic Charities
Information is at dioceseofraleigh.org.
King Day: A Celebration to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Where: John Chavis Memorial Park at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
When: Noon to 3 p.m.
The free event will showcase King’s work and feature activities, projects and more.
MLK Day Concert: IMPACT Series II
Where: Church of the Nativity at 8849 Ray Road
When: 7:30 p.m.
The series will feature music by Black composers
Details are found at nccmi.org.
Durham
43rd annual Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
Where: Sheraton Imperial Hotel, 4700 Emperor Blvd.. Durham
When: 7 to 9 a.m.
Doors open at 6 a.m., and breakfast will be served until 8 a.m.
Information can be found at trianglemlk.com.
MLK Meal Packaging Event
Where: Duke University Office of Durham & Community Affairs
When: 9 to 2 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to assemble more than 100,000 pre-packaged meals. Registration for the event is required.
Visit calender.duke.edu for more information.
MLK Day Book Drive & Community Celebration
Where: Golden Belt Campus at 800 Taylor STt.
When: 1 to 6 p.m.
The free event will feature music, face painting, poetry, food trucks, Wool E. Bull, and live performances.
Details are at bookharvey.org/dreambig.
Geer Cemetery Clean-up
Where: Geer Cemetery at 800 Colonial St.
When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Cary
MLK Dreamfest: Walk For Hope
Where: Mt. Zion Church, 366 Allen Lewis Drive.
When: 9 to noon
Come out to walk to raise awareness for survivors of abuse & addiction.
Information and registration can be found mtzioncary.org/walkforhope.
Day of Service Volunteer Work Day
Where: Good Hope Farm at 1580 Morrisville Carpenter Road
When: 10 to 3 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help prepare the farm for spring planting. Please bring at least one canned or non-perishable food item for donation to the local food pantry.
Details about how to dress, where to park, and questions can be found at townofcary.org.
Fuquay-Varina
19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March & Celebration
Where: St. Augusta Missionary Baptist Church at 605 Bridge St.
When: 9:30 a.m.
The MLK March will begin at the church. Line up starts at 9:30 a.m. The march will conclude at the Falcon Park Shelter at 105 Falcon Drive with a celebration featuring local spoken word artists, vocalists and community partners.
Information is found at fuquay-varina.org.
National Day of Service & Food Truck Rodeo
Where: Apex Baptist Church at 110 Salem St.
When: 9 to 4 p.m.
The day begins with a continental breakfast followed by service projects and food trucks Eden’s Vegan, Kwench, Madame B’s Bakerym and Mama Nem.
Learn more and reserve a spot by visiting apex.org.
Holly Springs
MLK Day of Service
Where: Bass Lake Park at 900 Bass Lake Road
When: 9 to 11 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to help mulch and clean the trail at the park. The event is in coordination with the state’s Year of the Trail celebration.
Information can be found at hollyspringsnc.us.
Hillsborough
MLK Commemoration Service
Where: Mount Zion AME Church 5124 NH Hwy 86 North
When: 11 a.m.
Guest speaker for the service is Dr. John Dawkins III of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This list will be updated with more events.
