Atlanta History Center to Offer Virtual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
On Monday, January 18, 2021, Atlanta History Center will share a variety of virtual offerings to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Though this will differ from the usual on-site program and free admission offered on the day, these educational resources will be able to be enjoyed safely from home in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among the offerings is a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Virtual Author Talk featuring authors Stephen Kendrick and Paul Kendrick in conversation with leaders of the Atlanta Student Movement, Charles Black and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. The discussion will be moderated by Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Virginia Prescott. In addition to discussing the book Nine Days: The Race to Save Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Life and Win The 1960 Election, panelists will be discussing personal recollections of the Atlanta Student Movement, time with leader Lonnie King and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the reverberations of the Civil Rights Movement today. This special event will occur live on Zoom Webinar at 4 PM, with a recording available after the event on Atlanta History Center’s YouTube channel.
Registration is free, but required.
“Dr. King’s legacy is one that is relevant and timely,” Says President & CEO, Sheffield Hale, “The focus of our yearly program is to honor the man himself, but also to explore the broader Civil Rights Movement, to learn how ordinary people made enormous changes to our country, and be inspired to think about how we can all apply those lessons to our everyday lives.”
Other activities for the day will include videos, a comprehensive blog post, and educational resources for children and adults alike. Particular emphasis will be placed on the youth activists who were part of the Atlanta Student Movement during the 1960s.
“The Atlanta Student Movement and other youth leadership during the Civil Rights Movement came about at a time that was both unique and complex. It propelled and inspired collective efforts to desegregate public facilities while also amplifying the importance of student voices,” Says Shatavia Elder, Vice President of Education, “Today is no different; the impact and legacy continue, with students exemplifying bravery and resilience while changing the mindsets and policies within various systems.”
For the past several years, Atlanta History Center’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day programming has attracted thousands of people for in-person celebration and exploration. Through this virtual offering, Atlanta History Center hopes to continue that rich tradition from King’s hometown to people in Atlanta and beyond.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlanta History Center’s operating hours have changed to Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday. Atlanta History Center’s campus will be closed on Monday, January 18.
