Events: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Cary

Cary, NC — Monday, January 18, 2016 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Make plans to celebrate, remember, and recognize him all weekend with these free films, presentations, speeches and activities in Cary and Raleigh.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Cary

Each year, Cary celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. with a series of events entitled Dreamfest. These events, which recognize and celebrate the life, vision and work of Dr. King, start on the Friday before MLK Day.

Unless noted otherwise, these events are all free.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Women of Action Gathering – 7 pm
at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary

This is the sixth meeting of a group that gathers to foster positive partnerships and relationships. In the spirit of MLK Day and empowering change, keynote speaker Dr. Josephine Brown, a Weight Management Specialist, will share her own perspective of the “New Year, New You” philosophy. Inspiring performances will follow Dr. Brown’s talk.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

International Diversity Summit – 9 am – 3 pm
at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Avenue, Cary

Stop by this all-day summit for a day of dedication, communication and inspiration. The event will include community leaders, religious organizations and major corporations for panel discussions on cultural awareness and sensitivity. The importance of diversity in the workplace, church and the community will also be discussed, and emerging leaders from corporate community and church will tackle the often-difficult subjects of diversity, inclusion, and racism.

An Arts Tribute to Martin – 7 pm
at The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary

In celebration of Dr. King’s birthday, Gail Jackson, an accomplished soprano, and The Gifted Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization that aims build confidence in youth by creative expression, will entertain audiences with a special performance.

Film: “Selma, Lord, Selma” – 9 pm
at The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary

The arts tribute will be followed by a free showing of Disney’s “Selma, Lord, Selma” at 9 pm.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Film: “Selma” – 2 pm
at The Cary Theater, 122 E. Chatham Street, Cary

Tickets are $5 for this afternoon screening of “Selma,” a passionate movie all about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his civil rights march in 1965 from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital Montgomery. This showing will conclude with a Q&A session.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Cary Day of Service 2016 – 10 am & 2 pm
at the Middle Creek Community Center, 123 Middle Creek Park Ave, Apex

Want to help others on MLK Day? During a shift, volunteers can spend the morning or afternoon doing a variety of hands-on tasks to help maintain and beautify the area around Middle Creek Community Center. Registration is required – call 919-469-4301 to participate. All ages are welcome, but volunteers 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Across the Triangle

The events listed below occur on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 18, 2016.

MLK Day Rally, March & Worship Services – 9 am – 12 pm
on Franklin Street, Chapel Hill

Meet for the rally at 9 am and then join a march down Franklin Street. The march will end at First Baptist Church. At 11 am, the church service at Historic First Baptist Church (106 North Roberson Street, Chapel Hill NC) will commence. There will also be choir performances and a brief ceremony honoring those who have served in our community.

Dream of Democracy March – 10 am
meet near 5 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh

Meet other Triangle residents near the NC Museum of History in downtown Raleigh at 10 am to take place in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative March, which begins around 11 am.

Birthday Party for Dr. King – 10:30 am – 1 pm
at Northgate Mall, 1058 West Club Blvd., Durham

This birthday party is a win-win for families. Parents get to do something meaningful to honor Dr. King while also contributing to local families in need, and children get to learn about Dr. King’s legacy in a fun and interactive way while also enjoying birthday cake, crafts and story time. Participants are asked to donate nonperishable food (especially peanut butter, canned meat, cereal and corn), gently used children’s winter clothing and coats, or new underwear/ socks for local families in need.

Story from staff reports. Photo by Mike Licht.