Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Metro Detroit

Story by Aron Bell

The entire country will come together to honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 15, and in the days after. The civil rights leader is celebrated every year on the third Monday to honor the impactful changes he pioneered, his monumental work on the civil rights movement, and his expansive community leadership.

Each year on MLK Day, there are events held throughout metro Detroit cities and museums. Below you’ll find some of the events in the area.

Photo credit: Charles Falsetti

Detroit

The 23rd Annual Detroit MLK Day rally commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. here in downtown Detroit. The event is Monday at noon and begins at St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave.

Detroit Historical Museum

Join the Detroit Historical Museum in celebrating MLK Jr. Day, A Dream Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of the Black Church in Detroit During the Civil Rights Movement. Throughout the day, families can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities inspired by themes of community, justice, and faith. The program also features an engaging presentation on Dr. King’s name change and his influential spiritual leadership at Ebenezer Baptist Church, offering deeper insight into the foundations of his work. We’ll close the celebration with the Detroit Historical Society’s annual tradition of singing Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” in honor of Dr. King and sharing mini cupcakes with attendees. Join us as we reflect, create, and celebrate Dr. King’s enduring legacy.

Southfield

The City of Southfield and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force will host the 41st annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk Celebration on Monday, January 19, beginning at 9 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 26275 Northwestern Highway. This year’s theme is “Crafting the Dream in a Peaceful and Sustainable World Rooted in Dignity, Democracy, and Nonviolence.”

The Peace Walk will begin at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium of Hope United Methodist Church with an opening ceremony chaired by Dorothy Dean. The program will feature opening remarks, comments from Mayor Ken Siver, and recognition of participating organizations. Following the ceremony, participants will continue the Peace Walk to the Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, for an 11 a.m. program.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The theme of this year's MLK Day at The Wright, "We Who Believe in Freedom" explores and honors Dr. King's commitment to justice, equality, and peace, The day features a series of ticketed and free events that provide activities for every age. As we commemorate Dr. King's contributions, we’ll embrace our shared responsibility to promote justice and equality, and reaffirm our collective commitment to carrying forward his legacy.

From dynamic conversations with activists and community leaders to film screenings, prayer breakfasts, and more, here are the ways we're reflecting on Dr. King's legacy in 2026. Doors open at 7:00 AM, so be sure to get here early to take in all of our events.

Photo credit: Annistique Photography

The Henry Ford

The museum has an entire exhibit dedicated to civil rights called “With Liberty and Justice for All.” Some of the highlights in the exhibition include the Rosa Parks Bus, and several items related to Martin Luther King, Jr. Those include a memorial button, posters, a record album, pins, and more.

Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Jan. 17-19, events include a full lineup of onsite programming, musical performances, guided tours, and more. Admission and parking to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation are also free on Monday, January 19 in recognition of the celebrated day of service.

Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford

Let Freedom Ring - MLK Birthday Celebration

Rainbow PUSH will host "Let Freedom Ring," a free public event at the historic Fox Theatre. The event will honor several luminaries whose deeds have exemplified the life of Dr. King.

This year’s distinguished honorees include retired Senator Debbie Stabenow; Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II; DTE Energy President and CEO Joi Harris; acclaimed American actor, musician, and playwright Jeff Daniels; Alkebu-Lan Village founder and CEO Marvis Cofield; and Covenant House Michigan, with CEO Megan Dunn accepting on their behalf. The performance by Brazeal Dennard Chorale along with Martin Luther King Jr. High School fine arts department.

Clinton-Macomb Public Library

Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to this local library on Monday, January 19th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a story and craft to celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.

Watch Dr. King’s speech in Detroit

On June 23, 1963, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was in Detroit for “The Walk to Freedom” where he led more than 100,000 people down Woodward Ave. to the then Cobo Arena.

During a speech at the arena, King gave a speech that featured some portions of his “I Have a Dream” speech that would be given just over two months later during the March on Washington.

Some of the speech was recorded on a record, and you can hear the speech on YouTube.

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