Preview: Martin Luther King Day Events, Jan. 20

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and heritage. Community service is one of the enduring legacies of his leadership and, as in the past, the Day of Service 2020 will bring together volunteers throughout the country responding to King’s call by rolling up their sleeves to do good in their communities to honor him. All events are Jan. 20.

Black History Museum and Cultural Center MLK Remembrance Ceremony: “A Day On, Not a Day Off:” The day kicks off with refreshments and speakers, followed by guided and self-directed tours and a chance to volunteer with meaningful service projects. 9 a.m. – 1:15 p.m., 122 W. Leigh St.

The fourth annual MLK Day of Advocacy at the State Capitol: For those seeking to learn how government can work for you, this day begins with breakfast as legislators and administrators address specific matters — education, criminal justice reform, economic and community development, environmental justice and gun violence prevention. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with representatives before a brief seminar on how to effectively advocate issues to those in a position of power and change. 8:30 a.m. Patrick Henry Building, East Reading Room, 1111 E. Broad St.

As part of the Virginia Commonwealth University MLK Celebration to which the public is invited, there will be a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at the Depot and going to Cabell Library. The vigil features music by the VCU Black Awakening Choir and the lighting of candles. 6 p.m., the Depot, 814 W. Broad St.

Enrichmond Foundation’s MLK Day of Service at historic East End and Evergreen cemeteries. The historically African American cemeteries were created in the 1890s as the resting places for many of Richmond’s black leaders of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Maggie L. Walker and John Mitchell Jr. For this day of service, all tools will be provided but volunteers should dress for very cold weather. Wear closed toe shoes and bring gardening gloves. Carpooling is strongly encouraged because parking is limited. 9 a.m. – noon, Evergreen Cemetery, 50 Evergreen Road.

Family-friendly MLK Service Day at Soar365, a nonprofit organization that creates life-fulfilling opportunities for people with disabilities. For MLK Day, volunteers of all abilities are encouraged to volunteer helping sort donations of program supplies, prepare mailings and make decorations for an upcoming Valentine’s ball. Open to kids ages 12 and older with parental supervision. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Soar365, 3600 Saunders Ave.

Friends of the James River Park MLK Day of Service at Ancarrow’s Landing: This day involves cleaning up at the head of the Richmond Slave Trail, a path that chronicles the history of the trade of enslaved Africans from Africa to Virginia until 1775, and away from Virginia — especially Richmond — to other locations in the Americas until 1865. Noon – 3 p.m., Ancarrow’s Landing, 1200 Brander St.

University of Richmond’s All-Campus MLK Day Commemoration Ceremony, featuring student and community performances, followed by a reception. 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Modlin Center for the Arts, 453 Westhampton Way.

MLK Day of Service at the Habitat for Humanity Restore, a nonprofit home-improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials to the public at a fraction of retail cost. Volunteers will help sort and organize. Noon – 3 p.m., 1201 Mall Drive.

MLK Family Day at University of Richmond, a program featuring fun and age-appropriate activities such as dance, music and crafts to help children aged 2-12 understand the meaning of the Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of MLK. Registration requested at commonground.richmond.edu. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Modlin Center for the Arts, 453 Westhampton Way.

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