BALTIMORE — Reginald F. Lewis Museum 830 E Pratt Street, Baltimore City Monday, January 16, 2017 — Noon to 4 p.m.
The MLK Day Celebration 2017 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum offers families and adults alike the chance to experience and reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. Community conversations, crafts, films, and live performances tie into the theme “Keep Moving Forward.”
“Our theme references the quote by Dr. King, ‘If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk…but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.’ It’s a powerful call to action that we hope reminds audiences of Dr. King’s unwavering commitment. We hope visitors leave inspired to carry on his vision,” said Dr. Roni Jolley, Director of Education.
Participate in “End Kin Killin’ Kin: Exploring Community Solutions,” an open community conversation about gang and gun violence, as Baltimore faces a record number of homicides. Participants include former gang members, and religious and nonprofit leaders. The conversation takes place inside the poignant Kin Killin’ Kin exhibit, on its closing day. The show’s images of black youth in klan garb is intended to promote conversation about ending gun violence.
Enjoy live performances by ConneXions School for the Arts and the North Dorchester High School Choir. Connexions will combine dance, music, and theater in a tribute performance to Dr. King. The choir’s repertoire promises a stirring mix of works by Moses Hogan, “Up the Mountain,” “The Color Purple,” and more.
Actor Keith Snipes and Full Circle Dance Company will perform a piece entitled “A Stone of Hope” about the MLK Memorial. Mr. Snipes narrates in the voice of Dr. King, while Full Circle Dance Company expresses through movement some of the themes of Dr. King’s life and messages.
Catch the film series Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise, which asks profound questions about the state of black America— and our nation as a whole. Dr. Iyelli Ichile leads an audience conversation around topics from hip-hop, to Obama’s presidency, with the film providing the context.
Young visitors can create crafts that incorporate the teachings of Dr. King.
Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students, senior, and children ages 7-17. Children ages 0-6, Maryland public school teachers, and museum members are free.