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, which is 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, managed by the Franklin County Coalition for Progress, provides a list of these activities with links to further event details.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Events
MLK Day of Learning
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 is open to kids, teens, and adults so people of all ages can turn the MLK Day national holiday into a Day of Learning.
SATURDAY
JAN
18
10AM-3PM
Coordinated by: Racial Reconciliation of Franklin County
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Service
Everyone is invited to the 45th Annual Memorial Service remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sponsored by the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area (UCCA). Youth essayists and creative arts ministries from local churches will present their thoughts on a variety of topics related to freedom, justice, and democracy in the spirit of nonviolence. Special musical guests will be the Choristers of the Chambersburg Area School District, Mrs. Elizabeth Stahl, Director.
Worship Service will be at Central Presbyterian Church; also available to view via livestream:
SUNDAY
JAN
19
begins at 3pm
Coordinated by: The United Churches of the Chambersburg Area
MLK Day of Service
The 5th 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
20
8:00AM-Noon
Coordinated by: Franklin County Coalition for Progress
Celebrating MLK Day: Audacious Faith in the Future
Join Wilson College for a presentation on "Audacious Faith in the Future" by Zyahna Bryant, a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing", remarks from President Wes Fugate, and a Q&A with the speaker. Zyahna Bryant is a student activist and community organizer studying at the University of Virginia and creating strategies to mobilize Black lives in Charlottesville, VA. The event is free and open to the community.
TUESDAY
JAN
21
5:30-6:30pm
Coordinated by: Wilson College
"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
20
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:
Thanks to our MLK Day Franklin County Partner:
Original Funding Support (2022) Provided by the P&G Fund
Marketing Services Provided by AW Designs, LLC
