How to celebrate MLK Day in Hampton Roads

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 55 years ago in Memphis as he prepared for a march in support of garbage collectors seeking fair wages.

In a strange foreshadowing, two months to the day before his death, King gave a sermon in his hometown of Atlanta that concluded with what he hoped his own eulogy would include.

“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long,” he said.

“I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others.”

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the national holiday that marks his birthday. Several Hampton Roads organizations are holding community service events and concerts in honor of King. Here are a few:

TODAY

Andrew Shannon Feeding 5000 offering free to-go meals

When: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Where: New Beech Grove Baptist Church, 361 Beechmont Drive, Newport News Hampton University: Celebrating the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Concert

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Robert C. Ogden auditorium,100 E. Queen Street

Cost: Free

Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert, featuring VSO’s Principal Guest Conductor, Thomas Wilkins, and bassist Victor Wooten

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Calvary Revival Church, 5833 Poplar Hall Drive, Norfolk

Cost: Free

MONDAY

MLK Jr. Day of Service

Community Cleanup

When: 9 a.m. to noon Where: Barraud Park, Norfolk

mobilize.us/climateactioncampaign/ event/546193/

Winter Blues Jazz Fest: Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King

When: 10 a.m.

Where: The William & Mary Alumni House, 500 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg

Cost: Free

Urban League of Hampton Roads 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Event

When: 8 to 10:30 a.m. Where: Online only Cost: Free

Details: ulhr.org