Still Dreaming

The Twin Cities will host several events celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Image credit: Photo by USDAgov via Creative Commons

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All Together Now

By: Lauren Peck

In 1968, the United States lost one of its great leaders. But the country hasn’t forgotten Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., assassinated in 1968. Beginning in in 1986, the country has gathered every January to commemorate his life and contributions to the civil rights movement with a federal holiday.

Several Twin Cities festivities have been coordinated this year to continue the tradition. Here are some of your options.

+  King's most famous speech was "I Have a Dream," and the Redeemer Center for Life wants to continue spread its message in North Minneapolis. The group will hold community events on everything from African American history to women's history in the coming months, and is kicking of their “Dream Because We Can” campaign on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. The kickoff event includes brunch, presentations and a trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota for the 20th annual "African Americans in Science" event.  It continues on Sunday, when the Redeemer Lutheran Church holds a service to celebrate Dr. King that will be by its annual Soul Food Dinner, a concert by the "I Have a Dream" choir and other Northside choral and spoken word performers. 1800 Glenwood Ave., Mpls, 612.374.413,9, redeemercenter.org.

+ If you're looking for something theatrical this weekend, why not start off your Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration early by attending Dr. King's Dream at the Mixed Blood Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m.? This free production stars Mixed Blood veteran Warren C. Bowles and calls on King's speeches and writing to create a mesmerizing performance. 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis. 612.338.0937, mixedblood.com.

+ Since the early 1980s, the University of Minnesota has celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a free concert organized by the School of Music and university's Office for Equity and Diversity. This 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert includes NBC's The Sing-Off winner, a cappella group Committed, as well as Billy Steele, Larry Long, Billy Peterson and Tonia Hughes. The concert will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.at the Ted Mann Concert Hall on Sunday, Jan. 15. 2128 4th St. S., Minneapolis. 612-625-8680, umn.edu.

+ Every year thousands of people across the country march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Head to St. Paul on Monday, Jan. 16 to participate in a half-mile march from Central High School to Concordia University, which has become an annual event. Kicking off with a rally from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Central High School, the event also includes speeches, music, poetry, spoken word and more at Concordia after the march. 275 N. Lexington Ave., St. Paul. csp.edu.

+ Head to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park at from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 to to help commemorate King's life. The event is free and includes a keynote speech by Bernadeia Johnson, Minneapolis Public Schools superintendent, entertainment by local performer Sha Cage, awards and refreshments. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Feeding the Dream community food drive as well. 4055 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-230-6484, minneapolisparks.org.

+ The General Mills Foundation and United Negro College Fund present its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast at the Minneapolis Convention Center at 7 a.m., Monday Jan. 16. The breakfast will feature keynote speaker Naomi Tutu, a South African human rights activist and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The event will also include special guests from the Walker West Music Academy and the musical group The Steeles. Tickets to the event are $30, or you can catch the breakfast broadcast on TPT2 at 8 a.m. on Jan. 16. Minneapolis Convention Center Ballroom A, 1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis. mlkbreakfast.com.

+ Augsburg College will celebrate King's accomplishments with the convocation "Now is the Time: Giving Voice to the Dream" at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 in Hoversten Chapel. Featuring well-known local performer T. Mychael Rambo, Twin Cities and Augsburg artists will explore King's speeches, quotations and civil rights through poetry, dance, song and more, including a short excerpt from "Keeping the Dream Alive," a world premiere production performed by students from Southside Family School. Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis. augsburg.edu.

+ Join others at Calvary Baptist Church at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 for a reflective worship service on the many contributions of Dr. King. The service will include tons of music, sharing and words of reflection on King's life. Desserts will be served following the service. 2608 Blaisdell Ave. S., Minneapolis. 612-872-7855. calvarychurchmpls.org.