Here’s how to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated Monday, January 21 but there are multiple events in the Columbus area to attend before the holiday.
Take a look at some of the celebrations happening in our area this week and next:
January 19 - 21
Columbus Black Heritage Shuttle Tour
You’ll know more about the history of Columbus than most locals have yet to know. The Columbus Georgia Black Heritage Tour is informative for everyone. Columbus has always had a strong and influential African-American presence. The Liberty District was the cornerstone to the African American community, with thriving shops, offices, auditoriums and homes. The tour shares stories of national celebrities and world pioneers who all had ties to Columbus. Also spotlighted will be the local civil rights leaders. The tour will show you the “hidden” landmarks that will soon gain more attention as the area, and state, and has become enamored with learning more about Columbus’ Black heritage. Allow up to two hours for the tour. $25/person. 10 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. 762-822-6251
January 19
“The Dream Lives” Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Processional
The Mayor’s Commission on Unity, Diversity and Prosperity will host an event demonstrating through speakers, talent and presentations that “The Dream Lives” in Columbus. The event was scheduled to start at noon with an outdoor processional, due to inclement weather the event will now be inside the Columbus Civic Center at 400 4th Street. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the the MLK Commemoration begins at noon on stage. The change in venue means there will not be a processional, and some of the event’s traditional activities, like the kids zone and vendors, will not take place.
MLK 5K and 1 Mile
Come run this 5K point to point race starting at the MLK YMCA, 1175 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and ending at the Liberty Theater, 813 8th Ave. This is the third race as part of the Columbus Roadrunners Winter Series. 8 a.m. Registration; 9:30 a.m. 1 Mile; 10 a.m. 5K. Cost $20/1 Mile; $30/5K; $35/race day.
January 21
Dr. MLK Jr. Unity Awards Breakfast Presented by Delta Iota Lambda Education Foundation
The Columbus Alphas invites you to the 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. United Awards Breakfast hosted by the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Iota Lambda Chapter presented by the Delta Iota Lambda Education Foundation. Featured speaker will be Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, Senior Pastor, Friendship West Baptist Church, Dallas, Tx.
7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Columbus Convention and Trade Center. $55/person
It’s Time For a Change
Annual MLK Day Program, Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1633 5th Ave. Guest speaker will be Dr. L.K. Pendleton. The public is invited and there is no fee.
Dr. MLK Day March
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, there will be a march/walk at 11:30 a.m. from the Russell County Jail (307 Prentiss Dr.) to Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church (201 S. Seale Rd.) At 1 p.m. guest speaker Phenix City District Court Judge Zack Collins will speak. The event is sponsored by the Alabama Democratic Conference and the Committee of Concerned Clergy. Free and the public is invited. 706-505-3930 (Participants can park at GMZ and transportation will be provided to the jail.)
MLK Day Hike
Enjoy a celebratory venture of 5 moderate miles along the Pine Mountain Trail. Meet at the Rocky Point Parking Lot along Hwy. 190. Hike to the WJSP Tower Parking Lot. Transportation provided to get back to vehicle. Geared towards ages 10 and up. Bring water, snacks and dress for the weather. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 706-663-4858
Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert
The Columbus Community Orchestra and Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts present “The Women of the Civil Rights Movement,” a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert. Students from Rainey-McCullers will be featured, along with Councilor Jerry “Pops” Barnes and Ms. V.J. Roberts. Free. 7:30 p.m. in the Main Theater of Rainey-McCullers, 1700 Midtown Drive. Call 706-322-3714 or 706-748-3360 for more information.
January 22
Black History Trivia Challenge
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the library will host Black History Jeopardy for ages 6-11. South Columbus Library, 2034 S. Lumpkin Rd. 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Free.
Holiday Closings
Banks: Closed
Federal offices: Closed
Post office: Closed
State offices — Alabama: Closed
State offices — Georgia: Closed
Area government offices
Auburn: Closed
Columbus: Closed
Fort Benning: Closed
Opelika: Closed
Phenix City: Closed
Smiths Station: Closed
County government offices
Chattahoochee County: Closed
Harris County: Closed
Lee County: Closed
Russell County: Closed
Garbage services
Auburn: No pick up
Chattahoochee County: No pick up
Columbus: No pick up
Harris County: No pick up
Opelika: No pick up
Phenix City: Pick up
Smiths Station: Pick up
METRA Bus Service: Not running
Peachtree Mall: Open
Stock Market: Closed
Area schools (public)
Chattahoochee County: Closed
Muscogee County: Closed
Phenix City: Closed
Harris County: Closed
Lee County: Closed
Russell County: Closed
Fort Benning: Closed
Area schools (private)
Brookstone: Closed
Calvary Christian: Closed
Glenwood: Closed
Grace Christian: Closed
Hallie Turner: Closed
St. Anne Pacelli: Closed
St. Luke: Closed
Wynnbrook Christian: Closed
This story was originally published January 15, 2019 at 5:37 PM.