Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020: Here's what is happening in and around Memphis

On Monday, many Americans will pause to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on the legacy of the civil rights icon on the federal holiday commemorating his birth, 91 years ago this month. Whether you choose to celebrate the holiday by learning more about King and the civil rights movement or volunteering in your neighborhood, here are activities happening in the Mid-South over the weekend and on Monday. 

The National Civil Rights Museum

There may be no more fitting activity to celebrate King’s birth than a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, housed within the Lorraine Motel where he was assassinated. The museum is free to all visitors on Monday and will have extended hours, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to accommodate the anticipated large crowds. In addition to the normal museum exhibits, guests can enjoy family-friendly activities and performances on Monday.

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A blood drive and canned food drive will be held at the museum in conjunction with Monday’s celebrations, and those who donate will receive passes for free or discounted admission for another day in 2020. Visitors should be aware the museum’s parking lot will be closed Monday and some streets around the museum will be pedestrian-only. Visitors can park at nearby public parking lots or find on-street parking on surrounding streets. A full list of street closures can be found on the museum website. Those looking to avoid the Monday crowds by visiting the museum over the weekend should be aware that the museum will not open Sunday until 11:30 a.m. 

National day of service 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also the only federal holiday that is designed as a national day of service, inviting Americans to volunteer in their communities. Dozens of volunteer opportunities around the Memphis area have been organized for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday by Volunteer Memphis and United Way of the Mid-South. Details about service projects can be found online at volunteermemphis.org.   

Grizzlies game

The Memphis Grizzlies will host their 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration game on Monday. Presentation of the 15th Annual National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Grizzlies practice facility, honoring Sheryl Swoopes, Doug Williams, Robert Parish and Caron Butler. Swoopes, Williams and other prominent sports figures will also join a panel discussion about the intersection of race and sports at the National Civil Rights Museum on Sunday evening. The Grizzlies will take on the Pelicans at FedExForum at 4 p.m. Monday.

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MLK Unity 5K

If you’re looking for an active start to the day, the annual MLK Unity 5K run/walk will take place in Southaven on Monday morning. Runners and walkers can register online or in-person on race day. If you register in person, you must pay in cash, but you can get $5 off by bringing a donation of three canned goods or non-perishable items. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the race will start at 8 a.m. Details can be found at preciouspearlsfoundation.org/mlk.

Other things to note

Many local houses of worship are also holding celebrations on Monday, ranging from musical performances to panel discussions. Check with individual congregations about details and times. Also, as a federal holiday, government offices and many businesses will be closed, including post offices, driver services centers, court offices and other city, county, state and federal offices, as well as banks. 

Corinne Kennedy is a reporter for the Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.Kennedy@CommercialAppeal.com or on Twitter @CorinneSKennedy.