One of Detroit’s greatest strengths lies not only in its diversity but also in its abundance of cultural experiences that have become increasingly more accessible and prominent over the years! When it comes to celebrating Martin Luther Jr. Day in Detroit there is no shortage of incredible ways to acknowledge and celebrate the holiday, and while narrowing down the list down to just five things is no easy task, we did our best to name the things that are definitely worth going out of your way to do!
1. Go to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Attend the annual prayer breakfast hosted at the Wright Museum of African American History here in Detroit and listen to a few words from keynote speaker, the executive director of the George Floyd Global Memorial, Jeanelle Austin. The event is meant to further bond the community by honoring the legacy of MLK Jr. while promoting dialogue, education, and action towards equality and social justice.
2. Partake in the MLK Peace Walk in Southfield
This will be the 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Peace Walk Celebration, which the city of Southfield hosts with the assistance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force. The event takes place starting at 9 am from the Hope United Methodist Church and where it will conclude around Southfield Pavilion where speeches and other programs will commence at roughly 11 am.
3. Attend the 21st Detroit MLK Day Rally & March
Returning to Detroit for the 21st annual Rally and March in honor of celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day. The rally, which starts at St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Detroit at noon, will feature a series of notable speakers from the local community and will be followed by a community meal for attendees to partake in.
4. Volunteer for MLK Service Day at one of Metro Detroit’s school districts
The cities and school districts of Royal Oak, Clawson, and Berkley are hosting a joint communitywide event dedicated to a day of service in honor of MLK at Royal Oak Middle School. Volunteering begins at 8:30 am with breakfast and few activities, then at around 9:30 am there will be a presentation about the significance of the holiday and a freedom walk after which there is a donation drive where volunteers will help in sorting items and creating kits to donate to those in need.
5. Support local black-owned businesses around Detroit
Whether you want to eat at a black-owned or operated restaurant or doing some shopping at a local black owned small businesses, there are plenty of options for you to choose from that won’t require you to go far out of your way in case you aren’t able to make it to one of the larger MLK Day celebrations.
Black-owned or operated restaurants:
- Beans & Cornbread
- The Block
- Bert’s Market Place & Entertainment Complex
- The Avenue an International Kitchen
- City Wings
- Cutter’s Bar & Grill
- Detroit Pepper Company
- Detroit Vegan Soul
- Dilla’s Delights
- Good Cakes and Bakes
Black-owned or operated businesses:
- Goodness Gracious Alive Florist
- Greenbliss Life
- Flo Boutique Co.
- Flagship Boutique
- Dcreated Boutique
- Detroit vs. Everybody
- Detroit is the New Black