Each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Week offers our community an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recommit to the values of justice, service, and collective responsibility. From wreath-laying ceremonies and interfaith prayer breakfasts to community dialogues, memorial marches, worship services, film screenings, and volunteer opportunities, these events invite residents of all ages to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy through action.
Below is a curated guide to key MLK Week events happening across Raleigh, Durham, and the greater Triangle.
Friday, January 16
Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Kickoff
46th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. | Raleigh
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens
1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh
Sponsoring Partner: Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA)
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Aaron McNair, II, Pastor, Mt. Moriah Community Church
This annual kickoff ceremony formally opens MLK Week with a wreath-laying tribute honoring Dr. King’s life, vision, and lasting impact. Faith leaders, community advocates, and residents gather in unity and remembrance.
Saturday, January 17
National Day of Racial Healing – Community Dialogue
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Durham
St. Joseph’s A.M.E. Church
2521 Fayetteville Rd, Durham
For the third consecutive year, the YMCA of the Triangle hosts this powerful gathering in recognition of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing. The program centers on dialogue, reflection, and music designed to inspire meaningful action toward equity and justice.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Chalice Overy, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Partners: North Carolina Central University, Triangle MLK Committee, Durham MLK Committee, First Chronicles Community Church
Corporate Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Monday, January 19
46th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
7:15 – 9:00 a.m. | Durham (RTP)
Sheraton Imperial Hotel
4700 Emperor Blvd, Durham
Doors open: 6:00 a.m. Breakfast served until 8:00 a.m. Program begins: 7:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jemonde Taylor — priest, environmentalist, community organizer, and griot exploring the intersections of race, Christianity, Blackness, and culture.
46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March
11:00 a.m. | Downtown Raleigh
Departs from the State Capitol Building
100 Edenton Street, Raleigh
10:00 a.m. – March Assembly Lineup 11:00 a.m. – March Begins
Community members, families, and civic organizations are invited to take part in this powerful annual march honoring Dr. King’s life and work. The Lightner Y Achievers will lead the YMCA of the Triangle’s presence.
46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Noon Ecumenical Service
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Raleigh
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts – Meymandi Concert Hall
2 E South St, Raleigh
Sponsoring Partner: Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Joseph Stevenson, Pastor, Macedonia New Life Church
MLK Day of Service – YMCA of the Triangle
All Day | Multiple Locations
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. YMCA branches across the Triangle will host volunteer projects bringing together staff, members, and community residents in service to others.
Details at ymcatriangle.org/mlk-weekend
More MLK Week Events Across the Triangle
Documentary Film Screening: Origin of the Dream
Thursday, January 22 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by NC State University Libraries
This documentary explores Dr. King’s first public use of the phrase “I Have a Dream” and the influence of poet Langston Hughes, followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers and scholars.
MLK Day of Action: Confronting Injustice with Courage
Tuesday, January 20 | 5:30 p.m. (Program at 6:00 p.m.)
Hosted by UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
Featuring Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Helene Cooper of The New York Times, this conversation examines courage, accountability, and the role of journalism in honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Dream Big Book Drive & Community Celebration
Monday, January 19 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Durham
Boxyard RTP
Hosted by Book Harvest, this free, family-friendly celebration includes music, performances, activities, and a large-scale children’s book giveaway promoting literacy and equity.
11th Annual MLK Speech Reenactment
Sunday, January 18 | 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Raleigh
Millbrook United Methodist Church
Experience a live reenactment of Dr. King’s “Three Evils of Society” speech, followed by intergenerational discussions, youth activities, and food.
MLK Community Celebration
Monday, January 19 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Hosted by Kore Durham
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with music, complimentary food, cocktails, and community connection featuring DJ Fatz.
A Call to Community
MLK Week is more than a series of events—it is a collective call to live out Dr. King’s values through service, dialogue, and unity. The Men of Southeast Raleigh encourage our community to attend, volunteer, and continue the work of building a more just and inclusive future for all.
