Pittsburgh and Surrounding Counties to Host MLK Day Events
Pittsburgh residents will be able to reflect on the life and works of Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during events being held throughout Allegheny County on Monday, January 19.
Residents will have a variety of events celebrating the day from which to choose, from luncheons to events at art museums or institutions.
Below is a list of events taking place on January 19 to celebrate MLK Day.
Day Off at the Museum
The Carnegie Museum of Art will hold an event for young artists on January 19 during which they will immerse themselves in art on their day off from school.
Children, ages 6 to 10, will be able to experiment with a variety of materials, make new discoveries, and explore techniques to help them grow as artists. They will be able to find inspiration in the museum’s galleries and create original artworks through painting, printing, sculpting, and mixed media. They can also engage in playful art and sensory challenges.
The camp costs $85 and registration is required.
East Liberty Celebration of MLK
East Liberty will host The Beloved Community, a celebration of King. Community Partners Activities will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while a Youth Performance Program will run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The pay-what-you-will event, which will be held at the Kelly Staryhorn Theater, will be a day of reflection, unity, and creative expression. The annual event brings together artists, neighbors, and changemakers.
Attendees can begin the day with activities in KST’s lobby, including the “After the Dream” exhibition of portraits celebrating past and future freedom fighters. Then, there will be performances celebrating King’s legacy by Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Lemington Gospel Chorale, and students from ARYSE.
Let Freedom Sing
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater will also host the “Let Freedom Sing” concert at 7:30 p.m. The 19th annual concert celebrates King’s social justice legacy through vocal and instrumental music and spoken word.
Tickets cost anywhere from $2 to $50 on a pay-what-you-will basis.
Streaming Justice at SLB Radio
Students in grades six to 12 will host Streaming Justice, a live radio talk show broadcast held each year on MLK Day. The show focuses on civil rights with teen-selected topics such as music, conversation, listener phone calls, and more.
Those interested in listening can do so online.
Free Community Day
The Pittsburgh Glass Center will hold a Free Community Day to celebrate MLK. Attendees will learn about glass and enjoy hands-on activities that demonstrate the importance of teamwork in the creative process. Glassblowing demonstrations will be held throughout the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Books
Caregivers should also encourage children to read books on race and equity and to discuss how they perceive and feel about the topics. According to the American Psychological Association, culturally diverse books that are relevant to children’s lives can increase interest in reading, improve literacy skills, boost self esteem, and help to develop a sense of racial and ethnic identity.
Trying Together’s Children’s Books on Race and Equity is a compilation of eight lists of books that cover racism, social justice, and other related topics. Another great resource is Buzzword’s article on a list of resources for caregivers provided by PA Promise for Children on Black History Month.