Triangle MLK, Jr. Holiday Celebration: “Overcoming Chaos with the Radical Action of Love”
Raleigh, NC – The Annual Triangle MLK, Jr. Holiday Celebration is a spiritual and community institution of more than 40 years, convening residents of all races, ages, genders, ethnicities, and spiritual beliefs to honor the life and work of Dr. King and recommit ourselves to the continued pursuit of social justice.
2020 brought us face to face with grievous death due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, with brutal examples of sustained systemic violence, economic collapse, voter suppression, and, now, the harrowing assault on our very democracy as armed domestic terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol.
In a year when so many of our trusted institutions faltered and failed, this group and this event stand resolute to our essential work of creating a better community for all. To preserve public health, most events will be virtual. This will allow us to reach more people across our region and state. And our theme, “Love is the Way,” the idea which Dr. King spoke and fought for more than half a century ago, remains the guiding light by which we will walk together and through the darkness.
The keynote speaker of our Interfaith Prayer Breakfast is Reverend Michael Curry, presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, and former bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. His message, drawn from his latest book, “Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times,” is one we believe every person who calls the Triangle home should hear and take to heart. The televised event airs on WRAL-TV at 8 am.
A complete listing of 2021 Triangle MLK Holiday events are described below:
Friday, January 15, 9:00 AM
The 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Wreath Laying Ceremony
In Partnership with The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
This ceremonial event will be held at the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens located at the intersection of MLK Jr. Boulevard and Rock Quarry Road in Southeast Raleigh. A small gathering of local leaders and clergy will lay a wreath beside the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to honor his life and as a symbol of solidarity towards achieving a more beloved community.
Monday, January 18th at 7:00 AM
The 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith (Virtual) Prayer Breakfast
Presented by The Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee
Features keynote speaker the Reverend Michael Curry, presiding Bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church and former bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. His latest book “Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times” reflects the theme of our breakfast and echoes King’s call to action. Watch on WRAL-TV at 8 am or you may visit WRAL.com for the entire program starting at 7 am.
Monday, January 18th at 9:00 AM
Stop Hunger One Family at a Time (Drive-Thru) Food Distribution Event
Presented by The Triangle MLK, Jr. Committee, The Year of the Black Entrepreneur, and in partnership with the Food Bank of NC and Marketing with a Twist
As part of the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, area families in need of food assistance are encouraged to come to the Southeast Raleigh YMCA beginning at 9 am for a box of donated food items. Since this is a drive-thru event, trunk space must be available to receive items. There is a limit of 1 box per family and donations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Monday, January 18th at 12 Noon
41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. (Virtual) Noon Observance – Virtual Edition
A virtual panel discussion themed Love Is The Way: Community Resiliency During COVID-19. Dr. King taught us that the solution for creating great change exists in the individuals closest to the challenge. In this conversation, MLK, Jr. Commission Chair Rev. James White will convene local organizers and activists to discuss Dr. King’s teachings and the movement we are witnessing today. Participating panelists are Rev. William Barber III, Father Jemonde Taylor, Rev. Lisa Yebuah, and Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw,
Monday, January 18th at 5:30 pm
41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. (Virtual) Evening Musical Celebration
Presented by The Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee
The daylong observance concludes with a virtual musical event featuring jazz musician Marcus Anderson, gospel artists Kim Persons McDowell, Marshetta Parker, Kimberly Michelle Prince, and the award-winning Martin Luther King, Jr. All-Children’s Choir and other artists coming together in song to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.
For a full listing of the Triangle MLK Holiday Observance events and information on how to watch virtually, please visit www.trianglemlk.com.