8 Ways to Celebrate Dr. King’s Birthday in Oregon
Looking for ways to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend? Here are 8 events and celebrations happening in communities across the state between Saturday and Monday.
Portland Area Events
Reclaim Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 16, Meet at 1:00 p.m.
Don’t Shoot Portland is an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation. Don’t Shoot PDX’s 9th annual protest march for human rights and dignity will center children and welcome everyone to support and uplift the voices of Black people. Meet at 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, near Peninsula Park.
dontshootpdx.org/reclaim-mlk-our-annual-march
Make Meals for Homeless Youth
January 16, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth, ages 15-23, through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives. p:ear is seeking volunteers to help prepare meals for youth who access their space during open community hours. All meals will be planned out with ingredients purchased by p:ear staff. Volunteers will help make and store meals for staff to reheat during open hours.
handsonportland.org/opportunity/a0C8V00001xc8hXUAQ/make-meals-for-homeless-youth-age-18-referral
Pack a Weekend Meal for a Kid in Your Community
January 16, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Portland Backpack serves children who are at risk of hunger by providing food sacks for weekend days when food scarcity is higher. Follow the instructions at portlandbackpack.com to self-pack a meal for a kid in your community and drop it off at a location in Northeast or Southeast Portland.
The Skanner Foundation 37th Annual MLK Breakfast
January 16, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
A website and newspaper published in Portland and Seattle, The Skanner News Group has advanced the cause of the Black press in the northwestern United States since 1975. The Skanner Foundation provides scholarships to undergraduate students of postsecondary institutions. The foundation’s 37th annual community breakfast celebrates the life, work, and vision of Dr. King. Though the in-person event is sold out, you can attend the livestream on Facebook. Enjoy local musical talent and inspiring words from elected officials and student scholarship winners.
Find additional Portland-area events here: pdxparent.com/volunteer-mlk-day-of-service/
Events Around Oregon
Crown City String Quartet
Bend, January 14, 7:30 p.m.
High Desert Chamber Music presents the Crown City String Quartet in a program that showcases the music of prominent Black composers: William Grant Still, Florence Price, and Jessie Montgomery.
highdesertchambermusic.com/hdcm-concert-series
Our Forward Stride
Newberg, January 16, 5:30 p.m.
The Chehalem Cultural Center hosts its annual celebration of King, centered around his Novel Prize acceptance speech and featuring local speakers, spoken word, and reflection. featuring an interactive program of spoken word, videos, and discussion.
chehalemculturalcenter.org/mlk-day-celebration-yamhill-county
Grants Pass Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Grants Pass, January 16, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Newman United Methodist Church, the event will call the community to action and will feature performances by local musicians, poetry readings, and speeches by human rights activists Geneva Craig and Mary Liuzzo Lilleboe.
business.grantspasschamber.org/events/details/martin-luther-king-jr-celebration-42237
20th Annual MLK Jr. Observance
Silverton, January 16, 5:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Silverton Grange, this community event and potluck features a sing-along, readings, and a keynote address by columnist and food security activist Joel Autry.
Find these and other MLK Day events at Oregonlive.com.