Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board honors life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in flagship MLK Day event at MLK Recreation Center, Feeding the Dream Food Drive, and numerous events at recreation centers Enjoy powerful performances and inspiring speakers on Jan. 15, 2024, 6:30-8 pm at MLK Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S; Drop off non-perishable food at any Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recreation center to support the Feeding the Dream Food Drive; 14 additional MLK events planned at recreation centers

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board honors life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in flagship MLK Day event at MLK Recreation Center, Feeding the Dream Food Drive, and numerous events at recreation centers

Honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual MLK Day Celebration at MLK Recreation Center!

Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for an evening of powerful performances and inspiring speakers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 15, 2024, 6:30-8 pm at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S.

This year the keynote speaker is Dr. Verna Cornelia Price, co-founder and president of The Power of People Leadership Institute. Enjoy a musical performance by NUNNABOVE, a sibling-based Twin Cities band that has been called “the next generation of Minneapolis sound.” NUNNABOVE was featured in season 13 of America’s Got Talent and has shared the stage with three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness, PJ Morton of Maroon 5, Boyz II Men, Chaka Khan, Stokely, and many others.

Additional event highlights include a presentation from participants in the MPRB Youthline program and the presentation of the 2024 Living the Dream Award to Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr., DJ and Operations Manager at 89.9 KMOJ.

This uplifting annual event is emceed by Chad Jackson, Director, Brand Partnership Development for the Minnesota Twins and Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. Light refreshments will be available at the conclusion of the event, which is free and open to all.

More information is available at the MLK Day page.

Feeding the Dream Food Drive

The celebration will also mark the 14th annual “Feeding the Dream” Food Drive. People are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at any MPRB recreation center through January 15.

The community service project was initiated in the fall of 2009. Since then, more than 15,000 pounds of donations have been collected. This year, all donations will go to YouthLink and Avenues for Youth.

More MLK Day Events

In addition to the flagship event at MLK Recreation Center, MPRB recreation centers are hosting numerous opportunities to celebrate MLK Day and King’s legacy this year.

Monday, January 15

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

10 am-2 pm
Powderhorn Park
All ages
Click for details

Unity in Colors: A MLK Commemoration

1-4:30 pm
Sibley Park
All ages
Click for details

MLK Day: Storyteller

2-3 pm
Matthews Park
Ages 5-12
Click for details

MLK Day Trivia!

3-4 pm
East Phillips Park
Ages 5-12
Click for details

MLK Day Storytime and Crafts

3-5 pm
Brackett Park
Ages 7-11
Click for details

MLK Day: Storyteller

4-5 pm
East Phillips Park
Ages 5-16
Click for details

(Youthline) MLK Footsteps

4-5 pm
Peavey Park
Ages 5-16
Click for details

(Youthline) MLK Crack an Egg

5-5:45 pm
Peavey Park
Ages 5-16
Click for details

MLK Day: Use Your Voice

5:30-7 pm
East Phillips Park
Ages 10-17
Click for details

Tuesday, January 16

MLK: I Have a Dream – Book Making

5-7 pm
Farview Park
All ages
Click for details

MLK, Know your CIVIL Rights

5:30-7:30pm
Bottineau, Logan and Van Cleve Parks
Youth grades 6-12
Click for details

Wednesday, January 17

MLK: I am the Dream – Apparel Making

5-7 pm
North Commons Park
All ages
Click for details