MLK Day 2023: Local Events Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) – Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with several events happening in our area.

January 13 – 16

DreamfestCarrie

Cary’s annual MLK celebration features presentations, films, performances and more. The celebration culminates with MLK Day

January 14

MLK Unity March & Prayer Meetingthe top

Prayers begin at 8 a.m. at Apex First Baptist Church. The procession starts at 9 am.

January 15

University/Community MLK Memorial BanquetChapel Hill

UNC presents this annual event with keynote speaker Dr. Leah Cox. The event begins at 6 p.m.

Leading a good fight, For free

Micky Kendall, author and diversity consultant, will deliver the keynote address at Duke University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Celebration at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

January 16

43rd Annual Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

MLK Jr. Daytime MassRoles

The Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus will hold its annual Mass commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. beginning at 12 p.m.

MLK march and celebrationFuquay-Varina

The march begins at St. Augustine Missionary Baptist Church at 10 a.m. and ends at Falcon Park. A celebration will take place immediately.

MLK Day of Service Food Packaging EventFor free

The event, coordinated by Duke’s Interfaith Food Drive and Food of Hope, begins at 9 a.m. Advanced registration is required.

King Day: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Roles

John Chavis Memorial Park honors the life of Dr. King with services, activities for children and more on site from 12 to 3 p.m.

Book Harvest Dream Big MLK Day Book Drive and Community CelebrationFor free

This annual event takes place in Durham Central Park at 1 p.m. The event includes a free book and outdoor booths featuring community favorites, including free popcorn from Mad Popper; Fox of poetry; Street Ya. Byk; Beignets Mr. A and MORE!. ABC11 is a proud sponsor of the event.

January 18

You Won’t Break My Soul: King Jr., Queen Bey, and the Legacy of the Southern RenaissanceRoles

This lecture by keynote speaker and Grammy Award nominee Pierce Freelan, hosted by North Carolina State University, explores the living legacy of the southern black revival movements. This free event starts at 3:30 p.m.

January 20

March Like Martin: Move!Roles

This student-led demonstration march, organized by the African American Cultural Center and the North Carolina Student Multicultural University, will assert the need for a movement – a movement that removes barriers and obstacles to justice, equality and ultimately liberation. The march will start at 12:30 p.m.

February 4

NC MLK Black History Month Parade and PartyFor free

This annual event starts at 12pm on Fayetteville Street. The Block Party features music, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting and more.