Celebrate MLK Jr. Day in Albuquerque with Kids

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Let’s make Martin Luther King Jr. Day more than a day off school. Let’s go beyond his inspiring one-liners and discover more about his life and legacy and how we can still be a part of the activism he began.

Celebrate MLK Jr. Day in Albuquerque with KidsBelow are some ideas for honoring Dr. King’s memory with your family.

Participate in the MLK Jr. Act of Service Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived his life serving others. One way we honor his memory is by serving our community. To learn more about this day of service, click here.

Below are a few ways to serve our community with your family.

Create Care Bags for Unhoused Persons
Where & Why My Daughter and I Volunteer Together
Ways to Give Back as a Family

Support a Local Black-Owned Business

Black Americans make up more than 13% of the U.S. population but only own 7% of the businesses due to many factors. Most experts agree the cause is a combination of racism, discrimination, predatory lending, and a lack of economic and business resources in African American communities. So let’s support black-owned businesses when we can! Here’s a list of black-owned businesses in the Albuquerque area.

Educate Yourself First

Martin Luther King Jr. was an eloquent speaker, to be sure! You’ll find quotes from him all over your social media pages today. But if the only quotes we hear from him only make us feel good but don’t challenge us, we probably don’t understand who he really was. Today would be a good day to read (or listen to) some of Dr. King’s words in context. Find other anti-racism resources here. 

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” written

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” audio

“The Other America”

“The Three Evils of Society”

“Where Do We Go From Here?”

Teach Your Children About Martin Luther King Jr. & the Civil Rights Movement

There are so many resources available. But I think the most important thing for kids to realize is that while the Civil Rights Movement did accomplish much, the work of it is not finished. There is still much to do to ensure equality and justice for all in our country.

Here’s a booklist with children’s books about Dr. King.

Here are some wonderful ideas about inviting racial justice into our homes.

Check out this National Geographic Kids article & video: Hero for All: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Attend a Local Event


January 19 – February 11 | The Mountaintop, a play at the Adobe Theatre

The Mountaintop by Katori Hall, directed by Jenelle Baptiste, is an edgy, controversial, thought-provoking play that takes place in the motel room of Martin Luther King Jr. on the night before his assassination. Dr. King and the hotel maid, Camae, discuss the issues facing Dr. King and the conversation reveals a surprising twist. Note: This is an emotionally riveting play and, in places, there is provocative language. Get tickets.


Saturday, Jan 13 | Martin Luther King Jr. March/Parade

The MLK Commemorative March begins at 10 am at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. and University Blvd. NE on the UNM Campus. The ceremony at Civic Plaza will be immediately after the march. Learn more.


Saturday, Jan 13 | Martin Luther King Day Celebration Service Project

Many famous people are buried in the un-endowed section of the Fairview cemetery. There are tumbleweeds and trash that have blown in and we will police the 17 acres and have the historian tell us about the Buffalo Soldiers and others buried there. This will be a great family service project for all ages. Bring gloves and dress warmly and we will have trailers for the weeds. We will have black trash bags for them. Let’s do what we can to help the Dream of MLK become a reality! More details.


Sunday, Jan 14 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass – St. Joseph on the Rio Grande

Attend a special mass at St. Joseph on the Rio Grande honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn more.


Monday, Jan 15 | Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Luncheon

Sponsored by the NM MLK Commission, this annual luncheon will host guest speaker Karissa Culbreath, PhD, a Rio Rancho councilwoman. Learn more.


Monday, Jan 15 | MLK Candlelight Vigil in Belen

The 30th annual candlelight vigil, celebration, and remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., hosted by the Belen Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multicultural Commission, will be held at 6 pm, Monday, Jan. 15, at the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave., in Belen. Learn more.

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