The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change will host special events in celebration and appreciation of the civil rights icon during King Week Celebration (Jan. 11-18). The theme of the week of activities is “Keeping the Dream Alive Remembering the Past; Forging towards the Future,” with an event centered on Rev. King’s teachings and principles occurring each day. The March and Rally will be held on Jan. 18. The March is held on Auburn Avenue from Peachtree Street to Jackson Street. The Rally is held on Auburn Avenue in the King National Park Area. www.mlkmarchaaar.org.
Jan. 1 – Feb. 1: Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits at The Atlanta History Center – The exhibition explores the history of African American achievement from the mid 19th century to the present through the changing roles of photographic portraiture. The exhibition includes 100 photographs. http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/
Jan. 13 – Feb. 7: Avenue X at The Alliance Theatre: Listen as the sizzling sounds of doo-wop and R&B collide on a street corner in 1960’s Brooklyn in this revolutionary a cappella musical. http://www.alliancetheatre.org/
Jan. 14 at 8 p.m.: A King Celebration concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Robert Spano leads the ASO’s 18th annual King Celebration at the MLK International Chapel on the Morehouse College campus. The concert, which honors the legacy of Dr. King in words and music, features the Orchestra with the Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs and special guests, and is broadcast internationally each year on American Public Media. http://www.atlantasymphony.org/home.aspx
Jan. 17: Book signing with Dr. Christine King Farris in The King Center Auditorium from 3-5 p.m. – Available for purchase will be tapes in Dr. King’s voice, copies of his speeches and books. For more information, contact Communications at 404-526-8944.
Jan. 18 at 10 a.m.: The Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church – Heritage Sanctuary – The service is the spiritual hallmark of the holiday observance and features tributes to the life and legacy of Dr. King from national and international leaders. www.thekingcenter.org
Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.: 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation at Georgia State University pays tribute to Dr. King for his work in the areas of social justice and human rights. At this event, there will be a presentation of the Torch of Peace award given to a faculty, staff, undergraduate student, graduate student, alumni and student organization who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to facilitate or promote positive intercultural relations at Georgia State. Additionally, the Hosea Williams Award for Community Activism will be presented to one unsung individual and organization from the community for their contributions to the promotion of human rights. http://www2.gsu.edu/interculturalrelations
Atlanta Trolley Tour Line will introduce an Atlanta Black History Tour in 2010. This three hour tour will take you on a journey of the city’s black history from founding to present time. The tour will cover Sweet Auburn District, Oakland Cemetery, Downtown, University Center and Southwest Atlanta. www.atlantatrolleytourline.com