Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the first big holiday of 2020 and the new decade. There are plenty of events in Tacoma to help you honor the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader. We've collected this year's biggest ones so you can get out and be of service to your community during the long weekend.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
2020 Martin Luther King, Jr. Redeeming the Prophetic Vision
This interfaith community event will honor Dr. King's call for peace and unity, helping the raise awareness of social justice issues on a local, national, and global scale. The main program features a keynote address by Dr. Dexter Gordon and a dramatic production from writer and director C. Rosalind Bell.
Urban Grace Church
Civil Rights Legacy Tour: Get on the Bus
This live performance of Get on the Bus encourages attendees to think critically about civic engagement and American identity while considering the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement.
Pantages Theater
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
2020 MLK Jr. Unity Breakfast
Established by the UW Tacoma Black Student Union, this annual event is intended to inspire campus and community members to continue the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The 2020 event brings Denise Fairchild, president of Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC), to the campus to discuss "Economic Empowerment: On Our Terms."
University Y Student Center
Martin Luther King Day of Service — Whittier Park Work Party
Spend MLK day in service of the community and help improve the condition of Whittier Park by making the space into the oasis it was intended to be—for those who live in Tacoma and the animals who call it home.
Whittier Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Enjoy free admission to the Men of Change: Power. Triumph, Truth exhibition at the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma Arts Live will also be on hand to provide live performances throughout the day.
Washington State History Museum
MLK Day of Service & Celebration
Attendees will learn the value of community service as not only a way to honor the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also as a way to help solve social problems in and around the Tacoma area. Those who participate in this year's event will be invited to a free dinner and art show.
Peace Community Center
MLK Day of Service Tree Planting in Tacoma
Serve the community of Tacoma on MLK Day by helping to improve the natural habitat and planting native trees and shrubs in one of the Port of Tacoma's wetland restoration projects.
Place of Circling Waters
Vision 2020
Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King with this free event that includes a community outreach fair and will be televised on TV Tacoma.
Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center
5th Annual MLK Food Sovereignty Day of Action
Take action this MLK Day and work toward building a more connected community with Peace Community Center and HUG. Activities include starting seeds for HUG and local farmers and transplanting strawberry plants. Pastries, coffee, tea, and lunch will be available to registered participants.
Peace Community Center
MLK Community Event
Join the Diversity Commission and Thomas Jefferson High School Black Student Union for an MLK Day community event intended to focus on reflection and regeneration.
Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring
Spend your MLK Day off by engaging in some community service, the kind that will aid in local habitat conservation and the ongoing beautification of Tacoma and its parks. Metro Parks will be celebrating this Day of Caring at Point Defiance Park, Titlow Park, and Center at Norpoint.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
MLK Jr. Day of Service
EarthCorps and the City of Tacoma invite volunteers to the Trafton Restoration Site on MLK Day 2020. Community volunteers will be asked to help repair and restore the Garry Oak Habitat location, clearing overgrown ivy, blackberry, and holly plants.
Garry Oak Habitat
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
City of Lakewood Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2020
Lakewood expands its recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a public event coinciding with Black History Month. Keynote speaker Shalom Aburu will be joined by Congressmen Denny Heck and Clover Park School District Superintendent Ron Banner.
Harrison Preparatory School
