In 1961, Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Mankato to give a speech where he reminded his audience, “the time is always right to do the right thing.”
Dr. King returned to Minnesota in 1963, and spoke to a crowd of 3,000 in Northrop Auditorium about the unfinished work still facing the Civil Rights Movement. Earlier in the day, he held an airport press conference, outlining the success of the freedom rides in gaining integrated bus services in over 150 cities.
Four years later, in 1967, Dr. King visited Minnesota for the final time, speaking out against the rapidly escalating Vietnam War – which received a positive response from his largely student audience on the U of M’s St. Paul campus. The Minneapolis Tribune commended Dr. King’s fight for Civil Rights, but also said that speaking out against the war was a mistake. One year after his appearance in Minnesota, Dr. King was shot on April 4, 1968 at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis.
Check out these local events this week that commemorate Dr. King’s legacy. As the country continues to grapple with white supremacy, his words are a prescient reminder: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Sounds of Blackness at the Ordway
Jan. 13
The Grammy winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness is performing “Music for Martin” at the Ordway. Interwoven with pieces of MLK’s most notable speeches, they’ll perform everything from jazz to gospel, drawing on the music that carried the Civil Rights Movement. Tickets range from $24-$52. ordway.org
University of Minnesota’s 42nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert
Jan. 15
For 42 years, the University of Minnesota has been honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with this concert. The event features MLK’s speeches, intermixed with performances from University of Minnesota students and the larger Twin Cities community. The event is hosted and Curated by G. Phillip Shoultz III, University of Minnesota Alumnis and Associate Artistic Director of VocalEssence. This event is also free to the public, and a streaming link will also be available. umn.edu
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s MLK Celebration
Jan. 16
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is hosting an evening celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. This event will feature multiple speakers, including Larry Mckenzie, the first African American Basketball coach to be added to the Minnesota Basketball Coach hall of fame. Other performances include spoken word from Jamyah Trueblood and music from Ray Covington. Programming ends with the presentation of the 2023 Living the Dream Award, this year it’s going to the Sanneh Foundation. minneapolisparks.org
Love is Power at Powderhorn Park
Jan. 16
Powderhorn Park’s Martin Luther King Day celebration is all about honoring MLK’s legacy through practicing love. With local speakers and activists, live music, and lunch, this afternoon celebration brings the community together. The event is free and open to the public. ppna.org
Black, Bold, and Brilliant, the 3rd Annual Black Youth Talent Showcase
Jan. 16
Black Bold and Brilliant invites black youth and families to participate in their 3rd annual black youth talent showcase. Youth between the ages of 7 and 22 are invited to express their creativity and take part in the showcase. Projects and performances must represent one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self determination, faith, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, and creativity. facebook.com
MCTC’s Personifying Beloved Community
Jan. 19
Minneapolis College is hosting a virtual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. The event incorporates a creative component –– showcasing award-winning essays on King’s work and legacy. MCTC also offers a self-guided community vigil tour, which explores the places in Minnesota’s history that embody the struggle for equity. minneapolis.edu