In memory of Doctor Martin Luther King Jr., the African-American civil rights hero, the United States has decided to honor the legend by hosting numerous events. US is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day with numerous events, hosted by the most prestigious institutions in the country.

The man, the hero and a lifetime of accomplishments

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on the 15^th of January, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of Martin Luther King, Sr., a Baptist pastor, and Alberta Christina Williams King. King Jr., was considered a prodigy even in early life. The young African-American attended the Booker T. Washington High School, where he received many awards and commendations.

During his high-school years, many teachers have observed that the young African-American student had a calling for the art of public speaking. This quality earned King Jr. his first prize in the first year of school. The young King Jr. won first prize in a public speaking contest hosted by the Negro Elks Club from Dublin.

From there, King’s academically career came off with flying colors. After graduating from the high school, King Jr. was admitted to the Morehouse College, where he graduated in 1948, leaving behind his childhood and also earning a B.A in sociology.

Heeding the call of the clergy, the young student got admitted in the Crozer Theological Seminary from Pennsylvania.

Luther King Jr. also earned a Ph.D. in systematic theology, a title bestowed upon him by the Boston University in 1955.

Martin Luther King Jr. is best known for his “I have dream” speech, which held during 1963 Washington March. Doctor King also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, for his contribution in the field of racial equality. He is also known to be behind the Montgomery Bus boycott.

A list of events hosted in the memory of Martin Luther King Jr.

As stated, the US is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day with numerous events hosted through the country. Thus, if you are enticed by any of the aforementioned events, please be free to participate.

According to the timetable, the events marking Martin Luther Jr’s birthday will start on the 15^th of January and will end on January the 21^st.

So without further ado, here a list of events you can attend to during this year’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr day.

• The event will start off with public poetry reading and several debates. These ongoing events will be hosted by the D.C. Public Library.
• On the 15^th of January, you can attend the annual traditional read-out of Martin Luther’s famous speech, an event held at the Lincoln Memorial. Also, Mayor Allison Silberberg will give the opening speech for the MLK Jr. Memorial Program.
• Also, on the 15^th, Doctor Khalil Gibran Muhammed will give his keynote address at the opening of the MLK Jr. event.
• On the 16^th of January, you will be able to attend the annual Luther King Jr. Tribute concert hosted by the Reston Community Center. This event will feature the Reston Community orchestra, along with Bryan Jackson and Beverly Cosham. There is no admission fee, but the seats are limited.
• On the 17^th of January, you can also attend the Arlington’s King Jr.s event. The ongoing event will feature music, poetry and dance performances. During this event you can view the performance of Clifton Ross, the finalist of a well-renowned gospel competition.
• On the 18^th of January, all parks and recreational areas are free of charges. Moreover, you are also invited to attend the “Let Freedom Ring” concert. The concept will feature Yolanda Adams, and will be hosted by the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University.
• On the 21^st of January, the Georgetown University hosts a screening of the movie “Selma”. The movie is set to start at 8 p.m. There is no admission fee, and the University even gives away free popcorn.

Photo credits:www.wikipedia.org