The long weekend for MLK Day offers numerous ways to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. while also helping your local community, including in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities, plus commemorative programs and walks. Here are some ways you can get involved.
Volunteer Arlington MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 15, 8:30 a.m.
Volunteer Arlington, a partnership between the Leadership Center for Excellence and Arlington County, is gearing up for its 7th annual MLK Day of Service. More than 20 volunteer projects will engage the community in making the federal holiday a “day on” instead of a day off—from assembling snack bags to assisting with educational presentations or habitat restoration at local parks. Virtual volunteering opportunities are also available.
“Through this community event we seek to honor Dr. King’s legacy and offer a variety of ways to listen, learn and work toward his dream of a beloved community,” says Lisa Fikes, president and CEO of the Leadership Center for Excellence. On MLK Day, the Center will also present its Beloved Community Award in recognition of a local leader who has embodied Dr. King’s vision.
Pre-registration is open for the volunteer day (which convenes the morning of Jan. 15 at Washington Liberty High School) though walk-ins will also be welcome. The first 750 people to check in will receive an MLK Day of Service T-shirt. //1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington
March for Unity and Freedom
Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sponsored by the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, this event kicks off with sign making at the Tinner Hill Civil Rights Monument. Following an invocation and remarks, the march will proceed toward The Falls Church at 115 East Fairfax Street, where a complimentary lunch will be followed by remarks and social justice breakout discussions. This event is free and open to the public. The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation works to raise awareness of the contributions of African-Americans to the development of Falls Church. // 510 S. Washington St., Falls Church
Calvin Earl: Music of the Civil Rights Movement
Sunday, Jan. 14, 2 p.m.
Join singer, songwriter, guitarist and storyteller Calvin Earl in a celebration of African American musical heritage featuring songs of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Tickets $10, $7 seniors, $5 MCC district residents. // The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Arlington County MLK Tribute
Sunday, Jan. 14, 5-6:30 p.m.
Produced by Encore Stage & Studio under the direction of Madaline Younger Langston, this annual tribute, held in the Wakefield High School auditorium, will focus on the 14 quotes found on the MLK Memorial in Washington, D.C. For those who cannot attend in person, a video recording of the event will be available on Arlington County’s YouTube channel. Arlington’s annual MLK Tribute was first organized by county staff and community members in 1969, one year after Dr. King was assassinated. // 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Michael Steele: The Black Experience and the American Dream
Saturday, Jan. 13, 4 p.m.
He made history as the first Black chairperson of the Republican National Committee. Now Michael Steele will deliver the keynote address at The McLean Community Center’s MLK Day weekend celebration. Steele will share his perspective on the Black experience in the context of the American Dream, unflinchingly taking on hard-hitting topics. Tickets $30, $25 seniors, $20 MCC district residents. // The Alden Theatre, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Reston Community Orchestra Tribute to Dr. King
Saturday, Jan. 13, 4-5:30 p.m.
The Reston Community Orchestra honors Martin Luther King Jr. with music and words in a program led by music director finalist Mark Irchai, featuring soprano Alia Waheed and students from Al Fatih Academy. //Reston Community Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston
Invasive Plant Removal on the Mount Vernon Trail
Monday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Grab some pruning tools and join community members in cleaning up a portion of the Mount Vernon Trail. Long sleeves, pants and gloves are recommended. Friends of Mount Vernon Trail will be improving the new Long Bridge Connector Trail, which connects to the Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington, by removing invasive honeysuckle. Volunteers can park at Columbia Island Marina in Ladybird Johnson Park and walk 10 minutes to the site — around the Navy Merchant Memorial and across the bridge.