— Excerpt from an interview published by the Kansas State Federation of Labor (Source: Kansas Historical Society)
“Discrimination in any form is a moral offense, whether it be against an individual because of the color of his skin or his religious beliefs, or whether it be aimed at denying masses of people their legitimate rights to an effective voice in the manner of the distribution of the fruits of their toil.”
Martin Luther King Jr. left a lasting imprint on the nation and on Kansas City.
Today’s federal holiday honoring the Civil Rights leader is observed as “a day on, not day off” with a focus on serving the community. It is the only “federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities,” according to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
In Kansas City, residents honor King with events that walk in his footsteps and commemorate his efforts. Events hosted by churches, community centers, schools and universities provide opportunities to actively remember King, whether by helping people in need or by learning more about the history of Civil Rights in the Kansas City metro.
Events happening around town
Note: Follow the link to learn more about each event.
- MLK Celebration Kickoff Highlights Exhibit “The Dream Continues | Hosted by Greater Kansas City Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Black Archives of Mid-America
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service | Hosted by Cleaver Family YMCA
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service | Hosted by YMCA Linwood
- “It Is Well” Film Screening | Hosted by Gem Theater
- City Year Kansas City MLK Day of Service | Hosted by Faxon Elementary School
- Teen Master Class: MLK Community Service Day | Hosted by Show Me Shoes Foundation
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service | Hosted by Metropolitan Community College
- Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture at the University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Day Nature Walk | Hosted by KC Parks
- MLK Day of Service: Dental hygiene kits and socks giveaway | Hosted by UMKC School of Dentistry
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration | Hosted by MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Interfaith Service to Honor Martin Luther King Jr. | Hosted by Jewish Community Relations Bureau and Tribe KC
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