“If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective. No individual can live alone, and as long as we try, the more we are going to have war in this world.” Martin Luther King, Jr. (1967)
As the world shudders and worries about America’s return to gunboat diplomacy and carving out spheres of influence by force, Martin Luther King Jr.’s words above, delivered during a Christmas sermon before a congregation at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga., are ringing loudly once again.
Four months later, King would be dead from an assassin’s bullet in Memphis. But his inspiring sermons and the deep echo of his moral conscience live on in the hearts of many Americans. It is fitting that, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy, Martin Luther King Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service.
It’s an opportunity for Americans to volunteer and improve their community as a way of helping build King’s vision of a “beloved community.” Service Day volunteer opportunities abound, so if none of these listed below speak to you, check out the Community Foundation’s website for additional ways to make a difference. Or consider celebrating King’s legacy through a parade, film, local discussion or spoken word. [After the story, we’ve added a list of events at VCU that was just sent to us in a press release].
Friday, Jan. 16
Girls for a Change focuses on the development of Black girls as leaders and changemakers across greater Richmond. For their MLK Day of Service, volunteers will assist with cleaning, stocking, and organizing their program spaces and snack pantry for the upcoming spring semester of after school programs at their center. Address and directions will be sent by email after signing up. Friday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. Register
Saturday, Jan. 17
One of Virginia’s gospel treasures, The Legendary Ingramettes and friends perform at Révéler Experiences on Saturday for a special afternoon show at 3 p.m. $15. You can read our preview of the show by Don Harrison here.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Evensong at St. James Episcopal Church, featuring St. James’s Choirs and the concert choir of Norfolk State University, will honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream through music and his own words read aloud from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1205 W. Franklin St. Note: There will also be a reading of King’s Letter from a Birmingham on Monday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 19
The City of Petersburg’s 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a National Day of Service. The parade begins on Pocahontas Island, then cross the MLK Jr. Bridge going into Petersburg, and continuing up to Washington St. making a right onto Washington St., going up to the Petersburg Public Library. 9 a.m.
Join the City of Richmond’s Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities for a service project celebrating the life and legacy of MLK while giving back to the community. Volunteers should wear layered clothing, closed toe shoes and bring water to meet at Ancarrow’s Landing for a litter cleanup. Trash grabbers, trash bags and gloves will be provided. 9 a.m. Register
Those interested in history, care and service can volunteer at Forest View Cemetery. This MLK volunteer workday focuses on documenting, identifying, and cataloging surface-level artifacts and objects found on site, but not excavation. The work helps protect the history of this once-forgotten cemetery and ensures that items found can be respectfully documented and preserved for future interpretation and descendant engagement. All tools, gloves, and documentation materials will be provided, and photography skills are helpful but not required. 9:45 a.m. Register
Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University is partnering with The Outreach Program to host “AgriMeals for Change” for MLK Day to help address local food insecurity. The goal is to prepare 50,000 boxed meals that will go to local food pantries, so the need for volunteers is great. The event takes place at the campus’s multi-purpose center. Address provided at signup. 10 a.m. Register here
Gallery 5 is hosting an MLK Day of Service at Evergreen Cemetery, one of Richmond’s most significant African American burial grounds because it holds generations of Richmond history. Volunteers are needed to help clear overgrowth, open pathways and support ongoing preservation work that keeps the cemetery accessible, dignified and safe for families and descendants. Wear warm clothing and closed-toed shoes appropriate for outdoor work, and bring your own water and snacks. Meet at Gallery5 at 9:45 a.m. to carpool, or at Evergreen Cemetery at 10 a.m.
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is hosting their first MLK Day of Service with a Cap Trail Clean-Up. Volunteers will hit the trail with trash grabbers, bags, and gloves to help ensure that the trail stays clean and beautiful for all users, whether on foot or wheels. After the clean-up, volunteers are invited to stay for refreshments. 10 a.m. Register
Richmond Grows Gardens, an initiative of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities to cultivate community in city spaces with plants to achieve food access and environmental resilience, needs volunteers to fill garden beds, weed and mulch to prepare for the upcoming planting season. Tools and gloves provided. Address and directions will be sent by email after signing up. 11 a.m. Register
The City of Richmond’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement hosts Community Cleanups at five locations across the city: the Carillon, Mosby Apartments, Historic Jackson Ward, Blackwell, and North Barton Heights. Be sure to dress warmly and come ready to make a meaningful difference in our communities. The city will provide trash grabbers, bags, and safety vests. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves. 11:30 a.m.. Register here
Tuesday, Jan. 20
The University of Richmond’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a campus-wide gathering honoring Dr. King’s legacy of justice, compassion and community, will feature a keynote address by the president of Virginia State University, Dr. Makola Abdullah. All are welcome to reflect, connect and engage in meaningful dialogue as a means of building a culture of inclusion and belonging. Will be held at Ukrop Auditorium at the Robins School of Business. 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22
MLK Keynote Celebration at the ICA at VCU
5-8 p.m. at the Institute for Contemporary Art (601 W. Broad St.)
From press release: “This event will celebrate King’s life and legacy while exploring the concept of thriving communities that encompass VCU faculty, staff, students and community partners. The evening will feature conversations with community leaders and opportunities for connection through art, music, food and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item for the Ram Pantry food drive and/or a coat for the annual coat drive.” See full list of VCU events after the story.
Saturday, Jan. 31
The Black History Museum is holding a screening and panel discussion of “Echoes of a Dream,” the nine-minute short film that won the Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film at the Richmond International Film Festival. The film explores King’s legacy and lasting impact in Richmond. Following the screening, a panel will discuss the film’s inspiration, creative process, and themes, while inviting audience questions and reflections. January 31, 2 p.m. Free, registration required here
VCU’s MLK Jr. Events
(from a press release): Here are the highlights of this year’s programming. A complete list and more details can be found at MLKday.vcu.edu.
Jan. 19 – MLK Silent Candlelight Vigil March
6 p.m. start at the Art Depot (814 W. Broad St.)
Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (Theta Rho Chapter) and the Office of Special Programs. For questions, contact Carlton Goode at chgoode@vcu.edu.
Jan. 20 – Pizza and Politics: Legacy of Black Women’s Civic Engagement in the U.S.
4-6 p.m. in Cabell Library auditorium (901 Park Ave.)
The discussion-based workshop will explore the history and future of Black women in American politics. Participants include Richmond City Council member Nicole Jones, former Councilwoman Michelle Mosby and Tyee Mallory, current president of the RVA National Council of Negro Women.
Jan. 21 – The Fierce Urgency of Now: An East End Community Dinner
5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Health Hub at 25th (1330 N. 25th St., Suite A)
Highlights include a catered dinner from The Underground Kitchen, community storytelling, performances by the Music Orchard Richmond and community networking. The event is capped at 40 participants.
Jan. 21 – The Urgency of Now: Agency, Action, and the Student Movement
6-7 p.m. via Zoom
Join a virtual fire-side chat with a digital activist exploring how modern movements are cultivated online. This event will bring students together to translate insight into action.
Jan. 21 – Difficult Conversations for Youth
6-8 p.m. at the Mary and Frances Youth Center (120 S. Linden St.)
This three-part youth development series equips young adults with essential life skills. The first session is “Purpose – Self-Discovery and Social Capital.”
Jan. 22 – MLK Keynote Celebration
5-8 p.m. at the Institute for Contemporary Art (601 W. Broad St.)
This event will celebrate King’s life and legacy while exploring the concept of thriving communities that encompass VCU faculty, staff, students and community partners. The evening will feature conversations with community leaders and opportunities for connection through art, music, food and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a nonperishable item for the Ram Pantry food drive and/or a coat for the annual coat drive.
Jan. 26 – VCU Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle 2026 Sankofa Pinning Ceremony
6-8 p.m. in the Commons, Richmond Salons (907 Floyd Ave.)
Inspired by the Akan principle of sankofa – “to go back and get it” – the ceremony honors the past and empowers the next generation. Shawn Utsey, Ph.D., of the Department of Psychology will be the keynote speaker and discuss growth, identity and legacy.
