By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | January 10, 2023 | Food & Drink, People, Parties, Politics, City Life, Culture, Music, Celebrity, Art, Events, Holiday, Movies, Entertainment, Local, Community, List - Entertainment,
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Monday, January 16 this year, and there are several events and activities happening around the San Francisco Bay Area to celebrate his birthday and honor his immense historic strides. From a city march to a film festival, community breakfast, and more, here are ways to connect with locals and commemorate his powerful legacy in American equality.
See also: Oakland's Inaugural Poet Laureate, Ayodele Nzinga, On Blackness, Existence, And The Creative Process
San Francisco
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Caltrain Station, Fourth Street and Townsend / Website
On that Monday, beginning at 11am will be a massive march in San Francisco that goes from the 4th and King Caltrain Station to the Lefty O'Doul Bridge, Willie Mays Plaza, and end north at the Yerba Buena Gardens. This epic 1.5 mile walk honors all the marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, with a brief reverent stop at Willie Mays Plaza to remember the pivotal crossing of the Edmunds Pettus Bridge during the Civil Rights Era.
This is a free to join event that will be impactful, uplifting, and a memorable way to trek through the city with locals.
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401 Van Ness Ave / (415) 857-0595 / Website
On Friday, January 13, the Herbst Theatre will be hosting grand live shows from inimitable artists Emily King and Goapele, as well as an exclusive spoken word performances from San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin and Glide Church's Minister Marvin White. The Glide Ensemble will also be conducting symphonic gospel music, accompanied by soulful vocalists Sangin’ Sara & James P. Smith. This must-see musical extravaganze will begin at 6pm and will require registrations.
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1100 California St / (415) 749-6300 / Website
Reflect with the Grace Cathedral on Sunday, January 15, as the magnificent church will highlight speakers Tracey E. Hucks, the Rev. Sakena Young-Scaggs, the Very Rev. Malcolm Clemens Young, and so many more. Their compelling words will also be accompanied by stellar live performances from the Stanford Talisman a cappella group, which is all free to attend and kicks off at 3pm.
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685 Mission St / (415) 318-7152 / Website
As a highly-renowned landmark for remarkable black art and culture, the MoAD will be offering a plethora of thought-provoking installations and enjoyable engagements for the holiday, beginning with free admission and their much-anticipated return of in-person attendance.
There will be interactive shows and sidewalk chalk art outside, as well as documentary film screenings, the “Civil Rights Through Art and Music” program, family-friendly activities like a special scavenger hunt promoting their new spring "The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion" exhibition, and so much more all jam-packed into this incredible space.
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701 Mission St / (415) 978-2700 / Website
Hosted by UC Berkeley's Othering and Belonging Institute, on Sunday, January 15 at 2pm will be an inclusive gathering space at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts devoted to mindfulness, meditation, and personal growth and healing. This special MLK Jr. Day edition will feature Belonging Coordinator Ashley Gallegos and OBI Strategic Partner Sarah Crowell highlighting Dr. King's philosophy and reflecting on his personal journey. This peaceful, yet stimulating event is free with reservations.
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750 Howard St / (415) 651-3684 / Website
Right outside of the YBCA at the lush garden on Monday will be an absolutely charming free outdoor music festival that kicks off at 1pm and is to be hosted by Gerry Dove. There will also be a live taping by the cast of the show I Remember That Song as several brilliant music acts fill the Esplanade Stage, including Grammy Award-winner Tony Lindsay, Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin, comedian Tony Scott, Big Russ and DJ Flash of “The World Famous Rick & Russ Show,” and so much more.
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888 Howard St / (415) 616-6500 / Website
Head to the swanky InterContinental Hotel for a luxurious breakfast in honor of the icon among esteemed attendees of local community, business, and civic leaders. You won't want to miss our own Nancy Pelosi be awarded the 2023 Willie B Kennedy Civic Service Award by the NorcalMLK Foundation as you opulently dine at this posh and upscale landmark while listening to live Latin jazz. Reservations and tickets are required.
Oakland
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659 14th St., Oakland / (510) 637-0200 / Website
A short trip to Oakland will bestow you an absolutely amazing film festival all dedicated to the life and achievements of the important activist. All Monday long, become captivated at the African American Museum and Library with groundbreaking media like "The March: The Story of the Greatest March in America," "Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.," and "Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility," all with in-depth discussions after each screening.
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7911 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland / (510) 763-3342 / Website
Sponsored by the African People’s Education and Defense Fund and Black Star Industries, Akwaaba Hall in Oakland will be hosting a full day of energizing activities, art, historical footage screenings, powerful live speakers, and open mic opportunities. A delectable lunch will also be provided, and registration is required for this immersive festivity.
Palo Alto
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450 Jane Stanford Way, Palo Alto / (650) 723-1762 / Website
In Palo Alto, the Stanford Memorial Church is a stunning venue with elegant architecture fit for hosting a discussion on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The Rev. Sakena Young-Scaggs will moderate this inter-religious symposium between the audience and speakers NorcalMLK Foundation Executive Director Aaron Grizzell, Dr. Raymond Carr, Dr. Tracy E. Hucks, Aaron Grizzell, and Dr. Julius Bailey, all elucidating topics surrounding justice through the lenses of different religious traditions. This vital discussion begins at 5pm and is free to the public.
Wherever and however you decide to honor this valued day, you will definitely feel the energetic and heartwarming atmosphere surrounded by fellow locals.
See also: Oakland Black Pride Olaywa K. Austin On Their Organization's History, Philosophy, and Festival
Photography by: Courtesy of Raffaele Nicolussi/Unsplash