On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Pierce County Council adopted Resolution R2023-3 in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to the ideals of equality and justice throughout the world.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. embodied an American ideal throughout his lifetime by combining deep spirituality with a profound commitment to political action throughout his pursuit of civil rights, showing America that racial injustice and violence should not be tolerated. In the 60 years since Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, our community reflects upon the progress made toward his vision of “the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood” and further resolves to create “a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
The Pierce County Council encourages you to participate in community events across Pierce County to remember Dr. Martin King's contributions to the ideals of equality and justice throughout the world.
- City of Lakewood Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: videos will be releases starting Jan. 10.
Every year, the City of Lakewood remembers the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to advocate for justice and equality. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be on Monday, January 16 in 2023. The theme this year is, everybody can be great because anybody can serve.
15th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast: 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at the University YMCA Student Center, 1710 Market St., Tacoma. Register to attend here .
The University of Washington Tacoma Black Student Union is excited to bring the community together at its 15th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast. A celebration that in part honors the contributions offered and inspired by Dr. King and in part as an opportunity to bring UW Tacoma students, faculty, staff and our surrounding communities together around a common goal of unity, hope, honor and celebration of the common effort toward freedom, equity and justice. Our keynote speaker this year is Dr. John “Push” Gaines, a former at-risk kid turned mentorship advocate. His message is all about pushing through adversity and defying the odds. John’s childhood was one of extreme adversity. Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, facing personal struggles, and being bullied for his differences, he had every reason to give up, but he pushed through. Now, as a professional speaker and author, John strives to help and teach people to overcome and to rise. We also will be honoring several in our community with the Dream Awards. We look forward to seeing you there!
35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan 16. This is a virtual event.
Pierce County residents are encouraged to virtually participate in the 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration!
- Washington State History Museum MLK Day program in Tacoma: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16.
The History Museum is open with free admission for MLK Day. Theater performances at the History Museum will bring to life Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy. At 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, Tacoma Arts Live presents the original production 11 Days in the Life of Dr. King. This production chronicles Dr. King’s life and legacy through 11 vignettes featuring spoken word, dance, music, shadow play, and historic images. At 3:00 PM, Living Voices presents The Right to Dream: Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, a story that considers the struggle and sacrifice for Black civil rights through the eyes of a young African American activist growing up in Mississippi in the 1960s, and highlights the role of women activists. More info: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (washingtonhistory.org) and Exhibitions & Events – Washington State Historical Society (washingtonhistory.org)
- 2023 Martin Luther King Jr Day in Tacoma: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at the Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.
- How Kids Can Act for Racial Justice: Annual MLK Day Event with Erin Jones and Dr. Mollie: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16. This is a virtual event. Register to attend here.
Looking for a meaningful way to spend MLK Day with the KIDS you LOVE? Join us for our annual kid-friendly, kid-centered conversation for everyone! Register, and you'll receive a link to gorgeous social justice coloring pages for kiddos to color during the event. AND - if you love children's literature as much as we do, you're in for a spectacular treat! We will be joined by children's literature author, Bonita Lee, and she's offering her book to everyone on our call for just 99cents!!! (WHAT!!??) Amazing. See you there!