Ten Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Boston 2014

Here's what's happening this weekend and on Monday in honor of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

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Martin Luther King Jr. with wife Coretta Scott King. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division / New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection)

Joyful Noise Gospel Concert Featuring the Harlem Gospel Choir

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir will bring its joyous talent to Harvard on Saturday. The choir is known for its powerful, soulful presence and has performed for two U.S. presidents (Obama and Carter), two popes (John Paul II and Benedict XVI), and Nelson Mandela.

$10-$20, Saturday, January 18, 7:30 p.m., Sanders Theatre at Harvard, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge, 617-577-1400, harvard.edu.

African American Heritage Trail Walking Tour

A tour of Mount Auburn Cemetery on Sunday will highlight the burial sites of notable individuals in African American history in Boston.

Free, Sunday, January 19, 1 p.m., Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 617-547-7105, mountauburn.org.

Open House at the MFA

Special events including performances, readings, and more will take place on Monday at the Museum of Fine Arts, which will be open to all for free admission in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Take advantage of the free day to see all that the MFA has to offer. The Open House syncs up perfectly with the opening weekend of “Samba Spirit,” a new exhibit that sheds new light on Afro-Brazilian art and culture.

Free, Monday, January 20, also free Wednesday nights after 4 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-267-9300, mfa.org.

MLK Day of Service

Many Helping Hands 365 will host their fourth annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, where you can make scarves and blankets for the needy, create valentines for veterans and the elderly, and other activities.

Free, Monday, January 20, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square, Cambridge, manyhelpinghands365.org.

44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast

This occasion is a bit pricey, but at the 44th annual memorial breakfast, you’ll hear from a number of notable individuals including Governor Deval Patrick, Mayor Marty Walsh, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and more.

$50, Monday, January 20, 8 a.m., Boston Convention Center and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St, Boston, mlkbreakfastboston.org.

Day of Service and Celebration

After breakfast, Mayor Walsh will head to Faneuil Hall for a Day of Service and Celebration. The free event will include a concert, storytelling, and notable appearances including keynote speaker Judy Richardson, a civil rights leader and documentary filmmaker.

Free, Monday, January 20, 1 p.m., Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, maah.org.

Live MLK Day Performance: Frankie JB and Mamadou West African Band

Two performers will visit the Boston Children’s Museum on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Frankie JB will perform reggae-infused children’s songs, and Mamadou West African Band will play original music with African flare.

Free, various times, Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston, 617-426-6500, more about Frankie JBmore about Mamadou.

11th Annual MLK Jr. Tribute Concert

The theme of this year’s concert is “Only Love,” and features special guest Leslie Odom Jr., who has appeared in TV shows and movies like Smash and Red Tails.

$15+, Monday, January 20, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory, 290 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-778-2242, bostonchildrenschorus.org.

Celebrate! Series at the JFK Library: Benkadi Drum and Dance

As part of the JFK Library’s free performing arts series, Benkadi Drum and Dance will perform Monday morning to bring a bit of Mali to Boston.

Free, Monday, January 20, 10:30 a.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, 617-514-1644, jfklibrary.org.

MLK Celebration in Music

Later next week, Berklee College of Music will host a multimedia show to honor Martin Luther King Jr., which will include a musical rendition of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, original reggae music, and more.

Free, Friday, January 24, 7 p.m., David Friend Recital Hall at Berklee College of Music, 921 Boylston St., Boston, berklee.edu.

 

What have we missed? Share more Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in the comments below.