2014 King Holiday Celebration Events

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s presence continues to be felt in Durham more than 50 years after he delivered his famous "Fill up the Jails" speech at Durham's White Rock Baptist Church. Many events celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are being held here in the upcoming days. Dr. King was an important figure in civil rights history and his inspiring example changed the trajectory of history in a powerful and amazing way. Events in Durham will honor his legacy and are listed on the Durham Event Calendar.

Specifically, The Durham Community MLK Steering Committee will hold its 2014 King Holiday Celebration Events Sunday, January 12, 2014 through Monday, January 20, 2014 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All events are free and open to the public. The MLK Steering Committee is a community-based organization committed to preserving the legacy and example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by planning appropriate ceremonies and programs in recognition of the King Holiday. For information visit this website or contact DeWarren K. Langley by email.  Their events are as follows:

• Youth Program | Motivational Speaker - Janice Guess, Author of Little Colored Girls Want to Wear Pearls Too| Sunday, January 12, 2014 - 4PM | Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, 404 Dowd Street, Durham, NC 27701
• 34nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast | Monday, January 20, 2014 - 7AM | Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Boulevard, Research Triangle Park, NC 27703
• Unity March & Rally | Monday, January 20, 2014 | 10:30AM | Beginning at the NC Mutual Life Insurance Company - 411 West Chapel Hill Street & concluding at First Presbyterian Church - 305 E. Main Street
• Annual Religious Service | Keynote Speaker - Rev. Dr. Sherri Arnold Graham, Executive Secretary Treasurer of Woman’s Baptist Home & Foreign Missionary Convention of North Carolina  | Monday, January 20, 2014 - 6PM | St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, 531 S. Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27701

Each year, hundreds of Durham City and County government employees, downtown businesses and residents gather for the City-County Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Program to reflect on the ideals of Dr. King and to remember his powerful legacy. Durham City and County Governments have scheduled the 9th Annual City-County Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Program on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

The keynote speaker for the event is Rev. Dr. Luke A. Powery, Dean of Duke Chapel and an Associate Professor of the Practice of Homiletics at Duke Divinity School. The event is free and open to the public and will feature the City-County Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass Choir.

Discover more about Durham's civil rights history online.

Honoring Dr. King and Commemorating Durham’s Royal Ice Cream Sit-In

Durham's role in the Civil Rights Movement makes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 21 that much more important to remember Dr. King's contribution to the society we have today.

NC Moms Rising, Northgate Mall and a number of area mothers’ associations and nonprofit organizations will come together to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King. with a focus on Durham’s historic Royal Ice Cream Sit-In with a special children’s program event featuring civil rights era music, educational readings, related crafts, freedom songs and, of course, ice cream on Monday, January 21 at 10:30am and again at 12:00pm.

The event is free and open to the public and takes place at Northgate Mall’s Center Court.

Designed for school-age children, the event will feature discussions and learning about the civil rights sit-in movement and specifically how, in one of the earliest sit-ins, a group of three women and four men from Durham sat in at the Royal Ice Cream Company on June 23, 1957 to protest segregation.

Organizers and participants will honor their efforts by sharing stories, readings of Andrea Davis Pickney’s children’s book Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, singing of freedom songs, related crafts that convey the meaning of justice and freedom and an ice cream social and sock hop featuring civil rights era music from Durham’s DJ PiddiPat.

Continuing Dr. King’s commitment to service, participants are asked to donate nonperishable food or toiletries (soap, toothbrushes, diapers, etc.) to support Durham Urban Ministries that serves local families in need. Voter registration and information will also be available.

This event is free and open to the public at Northgate Center Court. Sponsored by NC MomsRising, Lango Kids, Durham Mothers Club, Carrboro/Chapel Hill Mothers Club, Kid Cycle, Kids Voting and Northgate Mall.

Northgate Mall is located at 1058 West Club Boulevard, Durham.

Background About Durham’s Royal Ice Cream Sit-In
The 1960 Greensboro Sit Ins sparked a national movement but were not the first such action. Individual and group protest actions prior to 1960, generally isolated and often without wider impact, took place across the state and region. A protest in 1957 in Durham had wider consequence, as it led to a court case testing the legality of segregated facilities. The Royal Ice Cream Company had a doorway on the Dowd Street side with a “White Only” sign and, on Roxboro Street, a sign marked “Colored Only.” A partition separated the two sections inside the building.

On June 23, 1957, Rev. Douglas Moore, pastor of Asbury Temple Methodist Church, and six others assembled at the church to plan the protest. The young African-Americans moved over to Royal Ice Cream and took up booths. When they refused to budge, the manager called the police who charged them with trespassing. Newspaper coverage in the Durham-Raleigh area was mixed. The Durham papers printed the story on the front-page the next day but it was buried inside the Raleigh News and Observer; The Carolinian, an African American newspaper, placed it on the front page.

On June 24 the protestors were found guilty of trespassing and each fined $10 plus court costs. On appeal the case went to Superior Court and a jury trial. An all-white jury rendered a guilty verdict of trespass on each defendant. The case was appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court that upheld the law regarding segregated facilities. On July 15, 1958, the seven protesters paid fines totaling $433.25. Attorneys appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court but the High Court refused to hear the case.
‒ from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources

Learn more about Durham's role in history here.

Most City of Durham Offices Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Most City of Durham administrative offices will be closed Monday, January 21, 2013, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Police, fire, and rescue services for life-threatening or in-progress emergencies may be reached by calling 911. Non-emergency problems or concerns may be directed to (919) 560-4600. Durham residents are also asked to take note of the following changes in City services and programs.

Solid Waste, Recycling, Yard Waste, and Bulky Item Curbside Collections

The Solid Waste Management Department will be closed on Monday, January 21. Collection for all services, which includes solid waste, recycling, yard waste, and bulky items, will be delayed by one business day for the entire week. Collections for yard waste and bulky items on Friday, January 25 will instead occur on Monday, January 28. For more information, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/ich/op/swmd/Pages/HolidaySchedule.aspx.

Waste Disposal and Recycling Center

The Waste Disposal and Recycling Center (Transfer Station) will be closed on Monday, January 21. It will reopen under its normal schedule on Tuesday, January 22. For more information, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/ich/op/swmd/Pages/wr_transfer.aspx.  

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is normally closed on Mondays. It will open under its normal schedule on Tuesday, January 22. For more information, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/ich/op/swmd/Pages/Hazardous-Waste.aspx.  

Durham Parks and Recreation

Durham Parks and Recreation will close its administrative office, all recreation centers, and all indoor rental sites on Monday, January 21. All facilities will reopen under their normal schedules on Tuesday, January 22. For more information, visit http://www.DPRPlayMore.org, “like” at http://www.Facebook.com/DurhamParksandRecreation, or call (919) 560-4355.

Durham Area Transit Authority

Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) and DATA ACCESS will operate on its Sunday/Holiday schedule on Monday, January 21 in which hourly service is provided from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Bull City Connector will operate on its Holiday schedule in which service is provided every 20 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, DATA and DATA ACCESS administrative offices will be closed. For more information on DATA and DATA ACCESS, visit http://DATA.DurhamNC.gov, “like” at http://www.facebook.com/DurhamAreaTransitAuthority or call (919) 485-RIDE. For more information on the Bull City Connector, visit http://www.BullCityConnector.org, “like” at http://www.Facebook.com/BullCityConnector, or “follow” at http://www.Twitter.com/BullCityConnect.

Durham One Call

Durham One Call will be closed on Monday, January 21. However, residents may complete an online service request by visiting the City’s website at http://DurhamNC.gov/Pages/DOC.aspx, or by leaving a message at (919) 560-1200. Durham One Call will forward all requests for City services to the appropriate department on the next business day. For information about the City’s holiday schedule and any other services that may be affected, residents should contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.DurhamNC.gov.

Durham Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King

Durham has a special connection with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a city of open, welcoming, and community-spirited citizens, Durham welcomed Dr. King on many occasions. According to books like Parting the Waters and Origins of the Civil Rights Movement, immediately following the sit-in at a Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro, Dr. King launched a new battle cry in Durham in his “Fill The Jails” speech given at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham.

The 10th Annual Durham MLK/Black History Month Parade will be held at noon on February 4th on Fayetteville Street in Durham. More information is available on the website for Spectacular Magazine, the event's organizer.  There is a march on Monday, January 16 leaving from the NC Mutual building at 10:30am. More details are below.

This weekend, be proud of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and be proud of Durham at one of the events commemorating Dr. King's work and legacy.  Events are detailed below, or link to them online:

1/13/2012 - 1/13/2012 5:30pm.
"BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD RUSTIN" FILM SCREENING
Film about African-American, gay pacifist Bayard Rustin. With director Sam Pollard. 
FREE.
Bay 4 Smith Warehouse, 114 S. Buchanan Blvd.
For More Information: camille.jackson@duke.edu

1/14/2012 - 1/14/2012 11-3pm.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RAISE-A-READER FAIR
Featuring educational and entertaining activities for all ages, emphasizing Dr. King's legacy. The event is designed to promote literacy and is an excellent opportunity to add a book to your child's library. Book vendors, youth talent, storytellers, and more. 
FREE admission.
Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.
For More Information: (919) 683-1709

1/14/2012 - 1/14/2012 2-4pm.
"MLK DAY: REMEMBERING THE LEGACY THROUGH ART" PROGRAM
Featuring a live art show, video production, film and community discussions, poetry jam, video game tournament and more. 
FREE admission.
W. D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville St.
For More Information: (919) 560-4292

1/14/2012 - 1/14/2012 7pm.
TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CONCERT
A special concert to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Durham Symphony will be joined by the NCCU University and Alumni Choirs, under the direction of Dr. Richard Banks and the gifted soloist Brandi Hancock, protege of Dr. Loñieta Aurora Thompson Cornwall of Shaw University in Raleigh. The concert will include an encore of "Eulogy for a Dream” by William Henry Curry, with narrator
Anthony Wilson of WTVD, reading from Dr King’s words.
Durham Armory, 220 Foster St.
For More Information: 919-491-6576 


1/14/2012 - 1/14/2012 11am-1pm.
MASTER CLASS WITH AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER SAM POLLARD
Pollard will show pieces from the Katrina documentary "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts;" "Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin;" "Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed," about legendary New York congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; and "Slavery by Another Name," a feature documentary for PBS that will make its debut at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. 
FREE and open to all.
Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, 1317 W. Pettigrew St.
For More Information: (919) 660-3663

1/14/2012 - 1/14/2012 2pm.
"ONE NOBLE JOURNEY" PLAY
Mike Wiley in his one man show,telling the true stories of Henry "Box" Brown and Elizabeth and William Craft who crafted daring plans to escapee slavery. 
FREE admission.
Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St.
For More Information: (919) 683-1709


1/15/2012 - 1/15/2012 11am
SERMON BY REV. DR. JAMES A. FORBES JR.
Rev. Forbes, founder and president of the Healing of the Nations Foundation, will talk about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in the MLK Day sermon. 
Open to the public.
Watts Street Baptist Church, 800 Watts St.
For More Information: (919) 688-1366

1/15/2012 - 1/15/2012 3pm
DUKE UNIVERSITY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMEMORATION
Political Strategist Donna Brazile will speak. 
Open to the public.
Duke University Chapel, Science Dr.
For More Information: (919) 684-5600 


1/16/2012 - 1/16/2012 8am
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION PRAYER BREAKFAST
This Annual Prayer Breakfast has evolved into the flagship event to start the MLK Holiday activities in the area. Greetings and remarks by state and local officials are scheduled. See website for schedule. FREE and open to the public. Doors open 7:15 AM. 
First come, first served.
Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Blvd.

1/16/2012 - 1/16/2012 All day
TRIANGLE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE
"Make it a day on, not a day off." Triangle residents can volunteer for registered projects.
Various Locations
For More Information: (919) 460-8687


1/16/2012 - 1/16/2012 10:30am.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY MARCH
A march from NC Mutual Life Insurance Company to First Presbyterian Church that wraps up with greetings from community leaders and music.
Mutual Plaza, 411 W. Chapel Hill St.
For More Information: (919) 949-7327 


1/16/2012 - 1/16/2012 6pm.
MARTIN LUTHER KING WORSHIP SERVICE
Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Teresa L. Fry Brown, Professor of Homiletics & Director of Black Church Studies Program at Emory University.
King's Park International Church, 1305 Odyssey Dr.
For More Information: (919) 544-6304

1/16/2012 - 1/16/2012 2-5pm.
"THE RACIAL JUSTICE ACT: BEHIND THE POLITICS" FORUM
Screening of the documentary "The Trials of Darryl Hunt" with an introduction by Frank Stasio, host of "The State of Things" on N.C. Public  Radio, followed by panel discussion at 4pm. 
FREE and open to the public.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 810 W. Chapel Hill St.
For More Information: (919) 682-3449 

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Celebrate Durham

Durham has a special connection with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a city of open, welcoming, and community-spirited citizens, Durham welcomed Dr. King on many occasions. According to books like Parting the Waters and Origins of the Civil Rights Movement, immediately following the sit-in at a Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro, Dr. King launched a new battle cry in Durham in his “Fill The Jails” speech given at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham.

So, this weekend, be proud of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and be proud of Durham at one of these events including:

January 15, 2011

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Named "One of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast," by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Durham MLK Parade provides a wholesome, family-oriented, multi-cultural event featuring floats, marching bands, steppers, horses, motorcycles, school groups, and more. The event is free and open to all. Beginng at 12pm the parade will start at Hillside High School.

Durham Symphony Orchestra Martin Luther King Concert
The program consists of music by Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 and Curry: Eulogy For a Dream. Tickets are $15 or $5 for students with ID and the concert will begin at 7pm at the Durham Armory.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Raise-a-Reader Fair
Featuring educational and entertaining activities for all ages, emphasizing Dr. King's legacy. The event is designed to promote literacy and is an excellent opportunity to add a book to your child's library. Admission is free and the event runs from 12-3pm at the Hayti Heritage Center.

January 16, 2011

Duke University Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
Social Justice Advocate Randall Robinson will speak at 3pm. The event is open to the public in Duke University Chapel.

January 17, 2011

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Prayer Breakfast
Greetings and remarks by state and local officials including The Honorable William V. Bell, Mayor of Durham; The Honorable Charles C. Meeker, Mayor of Raleigh; and Dr. Irma McClaurin, President of Shaw University. This event is free and open to the public. For schedule of events, visit website. Doors open 7:15am. First come, first served at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center.

Great news, the weather looks to be thawing out for the weekend events so enjoy getting out of the house, visiting with neighbors, and celebrating the values and visions of the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.