How to Join Martin Luther King Day Events in Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama was one of the epicenters of the Civil Rights movement and Martin Luther King Day is celebrated joyously by many in this Southern city.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Find Events

1. Attend the annual "Reflect and Rejoice" event that has become a tradition in Birmingham. The Sunday before Martin Luther King Day (which falls on the third Monday in January), the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center hosts a musical program in honor of Dr. King's contribution to the Civil Rights movement and to the quality of life of African-Americans in the South.
2. Consider attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and Student Art Show in Birmingham, which occurs near Martin Luther King day in mid-January. This event is hosted by the Birmingham Art Association (see Resources below).
3. Visit the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church which made history when it was firebombed with four little girls inside in 1963. This church, an important reminder of the need for a vibrant Civil Rights movement, is located at 1530 Sixth Avenue North and offers tours by appointment by calling [phone]. Join worshipers at services at the church that occur every Sunday at 11 a.m. The services near Martin Luther King Day reflect the city's commitment to social justice.

Stay in Birmingham

4. Make a reservation at the Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Knights Inn or any of Birmingham's other downtown hotels to give you easy access to events honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Join in local events in a relaxed and unhurried manner when you plan an extra day or two of sightseeing time since there are so many Birmingham sites and events that are important to the Civil Rights cause.
5. Join other visitors to Birmingham at the Civil Rights Institute at 520 16th Street, North. This site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The site hosts story hours for children, cultural activities, readings of Dr. King's speeches, art and other facets of Civil Rights awareness. The Institute also has an ongoing exhibition of photographs and other memorabilia of the struggle for justice in the 1960s South.

Tips & Warnings

• Birmingham has a mild winter climate so you won't need heavy, cold weather clothing, but bring comfortable shoes to allow you see the sights in comfort.