The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Celebrating King in Atlanta
This holiday weekend, Americans will celebrate what would have been the 88th birthday of civil rights icon the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In Atlanta, King’s birthplace, numerous events are planned to acknowledge the federal holiday. Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King once served as co-pastor, will once again memorialize its most famous member during an annual celebration Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Elsewhere, Atlanta museums will host family-friendly educational programs, and counties and cities throughout metro Atlanta will present parades and programs. Here are a few of the King-related events planned in the days and weeks ahead:
‘The Mountaintop’
“The Mountaintop” is a fictional production that reimagines King’s conversation with a maid at the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his death in 1968. The Aurora Theatre production features language that might be inappropriate for a young audience.
Head to the theater at 10 a.m. Feb. 1 to see the production for as low as $16. Tickets are regularly $20-$55.
Through Feb. 12. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $20-55. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. Auroratheatre.com.
High Museum celebration
A current exhibit at the High Museum revisits the life and legacy of King through five photos. The images show the activist as he fought for civil rights and spent time with his family. The exhibit is on display through March 12.
The museum will host a series of kid-friendly events today to honor King, too. High Museum of Art teaching artists will lead an art-making workshop from 1-4 p.m., and three story times will explore books that focus on King and the civil rights movement at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. These events are included in admission to the museum.
If you’re looking for a free alternative, a screening of “Mighty
Times: The Children’s March” will take place at 2 p.m. The 40-minute documentary, produced by Teaching Tolerance alongside HBO, tells the story of young people who participated in the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Ala.
Noon-5 p.m. today. $14.50 (ages 6 and older), free (ages 5 and younger). High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. High.org.
National Parks
Visit any National Park Service site on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for free.
If you’re looking for a National Park site where you can learn more about the legacy of King, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in downtown Atlanta features the home, church and grave of the civil rights activist.
While tourists can view the outside of King’s home, the inside has been closed since August. Officials with the National Park Service cited “structural damage” for the closing.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, 450 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. nps.gov.
Ebenezer Baptist Church Commemorative Service
The commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Monday remains a MLK Day staple. The service, designed to honor the life, work and legacy of King, will feature a keynote address from Father Michael Pfleger and a tribute from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Darlene McCoy, minister Micah Stampley, the Craig Lewis Band, Freddie and Teddie and the Korean Christian Children’s Choir are among the performers who will participate in the program.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday. Free. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 101 Jackson St., Atlanta. nps.gov.
Atlanta History Center
Entry into the Atlanta History Center and Margaret Mitchell House is free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Visit Atlanta History Center and tour its many exhibits, including “Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta,” before featured speaker and author of “Go South to Freedom” Frye Gaillard talks about his book, which is geared toward middle-school kids, at 3 p.m. The event will also include a book signing.
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday. Free. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. Atlantahistorycenter.com.
Henry County Parade/Peace March
The Henry County chapter of the NAACP will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade/Peace March on Monday . Anyone can participate in the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.
Register at henrycountyganaacp.com and line up at 9 a.m. at the Henry County Performing Arts Center.
Grand marshals Darius Pattillo, Henry County district attorney, and Dee Clemmons, Henry County District 2 commissioner, will lead the parade. Last year, more than 65 groups registered to participate.
Immediately following the parade, Pastor T.J. McBride will serve as the speaker during a celebratory program at the Henry County Performing Arts Center.
10 a.m. Jan. 16. Free. Henry County Performing Arts Center, 37 Lemon St., McDonough. Henrycountyganaacp.com.
Cobb County program
The Cobb County branch of the NAACP will host an event to honor the legacy of King at Turner Chapel AME Church on Monday.
WSB-TV anchor Fred Blankenship will serve as the emcee for the event. He will also present two Cobb County residents with the “living the dream award.”
The award is given to a man and a woman who have contributed to the Cobb County community each year.
10 a.m. Monday. Free. Turner Chapel AME Church, 492 N. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Cobbnaacp.org.