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
Hoops for Harmony
The showcase is composed of various high school basketball teams from Central Pennsylvania, as well as all over the eastern region. In alignment with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Dream” of Racial Harmony, the showcase will be a great opportunity for the Central Pennsylvania area to enjoy an exciting weekend of Basketball with an emphasis on combating racism in our respective communities. The showcase allows for not only socializing and competitive sporting fun, but also business networking opportunities and solution-oriented dialogue about this ongoing problem.”
JAN
13-15
Various Times
Coordinated by: Chambersburg Area Sports Boosters and Chambersburg Athletic Department
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 2023 Theme: Together, we can be THE DREAM. The Chambersburg Area High School Choristers, under the direction of Mrs. Elizabeth Stahl, will contribute musically.
Worship Service will be at Central Presbyterian Church; also available to view via livestream:
SUNDAY
JAN
15
begins at 3pm
Coordinated by: The United Churches of the Chambersburg Area
MLK Day of Learning: Why We Can't Wait
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 Track, a Children's Track (grades 1st-5th), and a Youth Track (grades 6th-12th), so people of all ages can turn the MLK Day national holiday into a Day of Learning. Full day and half day sessions are available.
MONDAY
JAN
16
8:30AM-5pm
Coordinated by: Racial Reconciliation of Franklin County
MLK Day of Service
The 3rd 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
16
8:00AM-Noon
Coordinated by: Franklin County Coalition for Progress
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
16
thru Feb. 10
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
16
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:
Organizational & Volunteer Support Provided by:
Funding Support Provided by the P&G Fund
Marketing Services Provided by AW designs, LLC
