Next Monday, many of us are off school or work in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This federal holiday happens the third Monday of January in honor of Dr. King’s birthday — which is Jan. 15th. This year, we suggest you take a minute to explain the holiday to your kids, because he was indeed a very special figure in our history.
There are many ways to celebrate Dr. King this month with your kids. Here are 5 ways to celebrate MLK Day in Cincinnati:
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Martin’s Dream
Playing Jan. 12th at two times (10 am and 7:30 pm) at the Children’s Theatre’s Showtime Stage, Martin’s
Dream is a one-man show created and performed by the talented Deondra Kamau Means (his singing voice alone will lift your spirits on high). Martin’s Dream is an inspirational show that examines the real-life Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s faith, education, family and his dreams. And Means’s rendition of MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech will surely bring tears to your eyes. Martin’s Dream is truly a can’t-miss show — be sure to check The Children’s Theatre’s website for a full list of touring dates and locations (like the Main Library’s FREE 2 pm showing on Jan. 15th!)
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
As always the public library is a great resource for kids to learn about special holidays. The library is offering lots of programs in honor of Dr. King on Jan. 15th:
- A special story time and birthday party at 3 pm at the Greenhills Branch;
- A MLK themed story time and craft at 2 pm at the Pleasant Ridge Branch;
- A showing and discussion of the movie Loving at 2 pm in the Main Branch TeenSpot;
- A MLK Day craft at 4 pm at Northside; and
- A Day of Service craft in honor of MLK at Deer Park between 3:30 and 7:30 pm.
Yoga & Mindfulness at Blue Manatee
If there’s one thing to take from King’s legacy, it’s that of peace and mindfulness. This three-week series at Blue Manatee is aimed at just that, and is a great way for 6-11 year olds to form deeper connections with themselves. This series is free and happens from 4-5 pm on Jan. 18, 25 and Feb. 1.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
You’ll get an important history lesson at this local museum, which will help contextualize King’s place and presence in 1960s America. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center offers tours, too, and is open Tuesday-Sunday. On MLK Day, there’s a commemorative march in honor of Dr. King, which starts at the Freedom Center at 10:30 am and concludes at Music Hall.
MLK Day is also known as the “MLK Day of Service,” and there’s no better way to honor Dr. King than by serving. There are lots of family friendly volunteer opportunities in Cincinnati, and we recommend making a day in January your family’s own Day of Service!