ABOUT
MLK Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national holiday established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year to be close to (or on) Dr. King's birthday: January 15.
Dr. King was an American Baptist minister and activist, one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He advanced civil rights for people of color in the United States through nonviolence and civil disobedience. Inspired by his Christian beliefs and the nonviolent activism of Mahatma Gandhi, he led targeted, nonviolent resistance against Jim Crow laws and other forms of discrimination.
MLK Day Franklin County
In Franklin County, a variety of organizations host events in honor of the life Dr. King and his vision of creating a Beloved Community. This website provides a list of these activities.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Events
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Service
The United Churches of the Chambersburg Area will hold the annual remembrance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children and Youth Essayists sponsored by faith communities will present their essays that relate to the 2024 Theme: Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence. The Chambersburg Area High School Choristers, under the direction of Mrs. Elizabeth Stahl, will perform.
Worship Service will be at Central Presbyterian Church; also available to view via livestream:
SUNDAY
JAN
14
begins at 3pm
Coordinated by: The United Churches of the Chambersburg Area
MLK Day of Service
The 4th Annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service in Franklin County is observed as "a day on, not a day off" when volunteers are sent to complete service projects at local nonprofits. MLK Day of Service is a rewarding way for families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to make a lasting impact on their community in the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community.
MONDAY
JAN
15
8:00AM-Noon
Coordinated by: Franklin County Coalition for Progress
MLK Day of Learning: Living the Dream
Gather with participants from throughout Franklin County for this free Day of Learning to dive into principals and issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, community-building, and social cohesion. The day will feature an Adult/Teen Track and a Children/Youth Track (grades K-8) so people of all ages can turn the MLK Day national holiday into a Day of Learning.
MONDAY
JAN
15
11AM-3:30pm
Coordinated by: Racial Reconciliation of Franklin County
Celebrating Love, Healing, & Liberation in Our Social Justice Work
Wilson College will host a talk by Dr. Durryle Brooks exploring the idea of love as a radical and necessary function in our movement building and social justice work. Drawing on Dr. King’s notion of a “love that does justice,” Dr. Brooks’ work articulates an operational vision of love that is based on our collective healing and one that prioritizes our overall well-being. Durryle Brooks, Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary researcher and a scholar-practitioner from Baltimore, MD. The event is free and open to the community.
MONDAY
JAN
15
5:00-6:00pm
Coordinated by: Wilson College
Winter Warmth Drive
In the spirit of service inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., United Way of Franklin County hosts a basic needs drive beginning each year on MLK Day. Support the basic needs of families in our community by helping make sure our neighbors stay warm, clean, and well-fed this winter. The drive collects monetary and item donations to help local shelter, food, and utilities assistance programs provide for our neighbors throughout the cold winter months.
MONDAY
JAN
15
thru Feb. 12
Coordinated by: United Way of Franklin County
"It's Always the Right Time to Do the Right Thing" Essay Contest
Doing the right thing shaped African American history, women's history, and American history. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "It is always the right time to do the right thing." For this essay contest, we want you to answer the question: What is your right thing? Share a personal story, influences, thoughts, ideas, etc. $500 in cash prizes will be awarded based on main point, originality, insightfulness, and clarity. Essays can be submitted to jpollard@explorefranklincountypa.com.
MONDAY
JAN
15
thru Feb. 10
Coordinated by: Franklin County Visitors Bureau
We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a
new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
"Facing the Challenge of a New Age" Address, December 3, 1956
Partners
This coordinated marketing effort for MLK Day activities in Franklin County, PA is made possible thanks to the collaborative partnerships between community-minded organizations, businesses, and committee volunteers. Thank you to everyone who played a role in increasing the visibility of these important local initiatives in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision.
Organizational & Volunteer Support Provided by:
MLK Day Franklin County Partner:
Original Funding Support (2022) Provided by the P&G Fund
Marketing Services Provided by AW designs, LLC
