Connecticut Honors Civil Rights Leader

On January 15, 2025By Littum

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, marks the birthday of one of the nation’s most influential civil rights activists.

See our list of events celebrating his life and legacy on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the week after:

Branford MLK Breakfast
Monday 20 January at 8.30 | Branford High School

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Jeffrey C. Stewart speaks at the 40th annual event hosted by the Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Heritage Foundation.

Peabody Museum’s MLK Day Poetry Slam
Monday 20 January at 11.30 to 16.00 | Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven

The Yale Peabody Museum will host a “Z-experience poetry slam” with an open mic featuring poetry from the community at 7 p.m. 11:30 and an invitational team slam at 13:00. There will also be social and environmental justice activities for children and families and performances from Sons of Allen Mandekor and musician Michael Mills.

Children’s March and Bell Ringing
Saturday, January 25 at noon | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cheshire

Join a march for unity, peace and hope that celebrates the power of youth.

MLK Observance at the University of Hartford
Wednesday 5 February at 12:45 | Lincoln Theater in Hartford

The 2025 theme is “I am the wildest dreams of my ancestors.” The event will feature the presentation of the 2025 MLK Beloved Community Awards and several keynote speakers.

Annual MLK Love March
Wednesday 15 January at 10:30 | Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven

94.3 WYBC and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church will host an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Love March in New Haven. The march has been going on for over 50 years.

Wadsworth Athenaeum
Monday, January 20, noon to 5 p.m. | 600 Main St. in Hartford

The Wadsworth Atheneum will offer free admission to celebrate King’s legacy with artists, storytellers, dancers and musicians. New Haven’s Salt & Pepper Gospel Singers will perform at 4 p.m

New Britain Museum of American Art
Monday 20 January at 10:30 | 56 Lexington St. in New Britain

The CT Center for Nonviolence and the New Britain Museum of American Art will offer free admission for people and families to enjoy art activities, interactive drumming, a poetry workshop and dance to celebrate King’s legacy.

West Hartford’s annual celebration
Monday 20 January at 10 | West Hartford City Hall

The city will host its 29th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme is Dr. King’s message of resilience.

MLK Tribute Concert
Thursday 23 January at 19 | Asylum Hill Congregational Church

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert as a tribute to Dr. King.

MLK Living Legacy Convocation
Friday 31 January at 18 | Jørgensen Center for Performing Arts

The invocation will honor the 2025 MLK Living Legacy Award recipients and feature Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Todd Dulaney.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Children’s March for Peace
Saturday, January 25 at noon | St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cheshire

Following the march, a ceremony and bell ringing will be held to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

MLK birthday party
Saturday 18 January at 15 | Smith Middle School Auditorium in Glastonbury

The family-friendly community celebration will feature music, dance, speakers, crafts, community resources and a cake in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Other

Martin Luther King Jr. at Connecticut Memorial
Anytime | Simsbury Free Library, 749 Hopmeadow St.

In 2018, students from Simsbury High School created a memorial to honor Dr. King.

Book discussion with pastor Dr. William J. Barber II
Wednesday 22 January at 17 | Henry R. Luce Hall in New Haven

Priest Dr. William J. Barber II will speak with David W. Blight about Barber’s book “White Poverty: How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy.” This is an in-person event with the option of remote viewing.

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