MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day to honor the civil rights crusader and is also a great time to teach kids about his life and what the Nobel Peace Prize winner stood for. Local Chicago organizations are hosting family-friendly events on Monday, Jan. 20 to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and empower local children to be the change-makers of the future.
Museum of Science and Industry’s Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
Established in 1970, the Museum of Science and Industry’s Juried Art Exhibition is the nation’s longest-running exhibition of African-American Art, presenting more than 100 works of art from emerging and established African American artists. The exhibition is just one part of the Museum’s Black Creativity program which showcases achievements in scientific, artistic and technical fields by African-Americans.
Mid-January to Mid-February
9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Hyde Park
Online: msichicago.org
Chicago Sinfonietta’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
Leading the nation in programming works by women and diverse, under-represented composers, Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse orchestra, presents its annual MLK Tribute Concert, celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through family, equity and the encouragement to execute positive change.
Sunday, January 19
3:00 p.m.
Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville
Monday, January 20
7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Hall of Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue, Loop
Online: chicagosinfonietta.org
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum
Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Chicago History Museum’s day-long family event. The Writers Theatre will present The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights, see a performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir and little ones can learn more about Dr. King’s legacy of peace and justice with storytelling and crafts.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, Lincoln Park
Online: chicagohistory.org
Cradles to Crayons Donation Drive
Cradles to Crayons invites Chicagoland families to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day by donating new or gently-used children’s items at one of their more than 25 pop-up drop-off locations. The nonprofit organization provides essentials such as clothing, coats, books and toys to ensure all children, regardless of their socio-economic status, have what they need to feel safe, warm and valued.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Various drop-off locations)
Online: cradlestocrayons.org
Chicago History Museum’s Remembering Dr. King
Remembering Dr. King is a collection of 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work during the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibit places a special emphasis on his time in Chicago shedding light on the existence of discrimination and segregation. the abysmal state of housing and the realities of poverty in the north.
Ongoing through March 2020
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, Lincoln Park
Online: chicagohistory.org
“What Does It Mean, Dr. King?” at the Chicago Children’s Museum
What was the civil rights movement and what does it mean for kids today? Take a journey back in time and learn about freedom through interactive theater and songs.
Monday, January 20
10:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Avenue, Navy Pier
Online: chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Celebration at DuSable Museum of African American History
Home to hundreds of artifacts from the Civil Rights Movement, Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day dedicated to his life and lasting impact. King Day 2020: Focused on Freedom features music, lectures, performances and arts & crafts for the entire family to enjoy.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Place, South Side
Online: dusablemuseum.org
