The city of Birmingham will join community partners and organizations in celebrating the legacy of civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., beginning today and continuing through Monday, the federal MLK Day holiday, and into next week.

King’s message of non-violent resistance against segregation and racial injustice, including the turning point of events in Birmingham in 1963, became an inspiration to the world.

“We are reaping the benefits of his work,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. “It is because of his life’s work that I, a young black man, can be mayor of the city of Birmingham.”

City of Birmingham offices, except for 911, police and fire, will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration featuring Dr. Paulette Dilworth Friday, January 13. 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion will present its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration today. Keynote speaker Dr. Paulette Dilworth, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UAB will touch on the importance of Dr. King and her thoughts about this year’s theme: “Together we can be the dream.” Other speakers include Dr. Anupam Agarwal and Dr. Mona Fouad, with a special performance from Miles College Choir. A boxed lunch will be provided to the first 100 in-person attendees.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023

Seventh Annual MLK Day 5K Drum Run. This fun run features drumlines from Birmingham area schools and organizations that will line up along the racecourse to keep the beat as the runners and walkers make their way. Each drumline will receive a donation to their band booster association through our nonprofit, The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc. Saturday, January 14 at 7 a.m. The 5K begins at 8 a.m.; the 1-mile fun run/walk starts at 9 a.m. The Fourth Avenue Historic District / History Park, 1700 4th Ave North. Registration is $40 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-mile fun run/walk. Registration ends January 9, 2023.  

For more details, click here.

Office of Black Catholics annual breakfast. The Office of Black Catholic Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham is sponsoring the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Paul Life Center behind St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2120 3rd Avenue North. The keynote Speaker will be the Rev. Reginald D. Norman, a priest in the Diocese of Bridgeport in Connecticut and vicar of the Apostolate of Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Bridgeport, and president of the National Catholic Administrators.

Birmingham Squadron to Honor The Morgan Project in Commemoration of MLK Day Saturday, at 7 p.m. during the Squadron game against the Salt Lake City Stars, NBA G-League team Birmingham Squadron will recognize the impact The Morgan Project has had in continuing the legacy of King and championing for civil rights in Birmingham. 

NAACP Give Back Saturday, January 14th, 10 a.m. – Noon at Linn Park.

Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, MLK Day

Unity Breakfast. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast will be held on Monday, January 16th at the Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL. Doors will open at 7 a.m. Keynote Speaker is Attorney Corey Minor Smith. Tickets are $60/person. For more information email [email protected] or call Aaron Carlton 205-585-6463.

King Day Festivities. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th Street North. Free gallery tours and virtual programs. Monday, January 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.bcri.org

MLK Day of Service. United Way. Monday, January 16th. Various service projects around Birmingham.

SCLC Feed the Homeless at Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd., Birmingham, AL. Noon – 4 p.m.

MLK’s Beloved Community. Sponsored by the UAB and MLK’s Beloved Community, honoring King’s memory and legacy. UAB students and others join to work toward King’s global vision of a “Beloved Community.” Monday, January 16th, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

MLK Day Paint Day Monday, January 16th, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free family friendly event with paint and canvas provided and snacks included.

MLK Day of Service at Avondale School sponsored by Hands on Birmingham & YouthServe Monday, 1 p.m. Join Hands on Birmingham and YouthServe for a variety of service projects for youth volunteers ages 13-18 at Avondale Elementary School. Waivers signed by parents or guardians are required for service.

MLK Indoor Track Classic #2 at the Birmingham Metro Crossplex, Monday, January 16th. Events take place 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. The address is 2340 Crossplex Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35208. MLK Track Meet (birminghamcrossplex.com)

2023 MLK Virtual Race, Monday, January 16th at 7 p.m. sponsored by the Moon Joggers.  “I Have a Dream” virtual race at 8 a.m. Sign-up is $19.99.

The Give More Love Service Day Workshop, via Zoom, will be available for free to interested middle school, high school, and college students and educators, a virtual student workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Attendance is open to the first 300 high school and college students who register. Each student will receive Seneca Wilson’s E-Book, “Turn on Your Light.” Jeremiah Brown will be the keynote speaker.

Friday, Jan. 20, 2023

“An Evening with Rev. Dr. William Barber,” sponsored by the UAB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Friday, January 20th at 6 p.m.

MLK events at Birmingham Public Library throughout the month of January. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023

“The Neighborhood Barber” DeJaun Hall will provide free haircuts for the Birmingham homeless community. 9 a.m. to noon, Kelly Ingram Park.