As the Martin Luther King Day approaches, many of us are looking for more than just a day off. Teaching our kids about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a "Beloved Community" is best done through action, whether that’s rolling up your sleeves for a local service project or attending a local celebration that sparks meaningful conversations or honoring local community members who've dedicated their lives to service. From teen-led events to hands-on "kit packing" parties across the city, this year Metro Richmond area is full of meaningful ways to honor his legacy together.
Check out our curated list of family-friendly events below to find the perfect way for your crew to give back. Click on the title for additional information and register.
24th Annual MLK Drum Major Awards: Community Celebration & Reception
This annual free event celebrates the accomplishments of servant leaders and unsung heroes. Boaz & Ruth, Fifth Street Baptist Church, and the Urban Financial Services Coalition have once again joined together to host the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration and Drum Major Awards.
Keynote Speaker
Loki Mulholland, Emmy Award–winning filmmaker, author, and speaker
Program Highlights
Closing Unity March for Freedom led by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated – Xi Delta Lambda Chapter
Hostesses/Ushers: James River Valley (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Special performances by Signs of Praise and violin prodigy Issac Wilson.
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast Honorees
Join Virginia Union University for their 47th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders Celebration happening January 16th at 7:30AM.
This year’s celebration will recognize distinguished leaders, families, and organizations whose historic and ongoing contributions have advanced civil rights, education, justice, and opportunity—both at Virginia Union University and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The 2026 Honorees Include:
Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Family of William B. Thalhimer, Jr.
Richmond Crusade for Voters
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP Virginia State Conference)
Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond & Vicinity
Family of Benjamin & Richard Lambert
Baptist General Convention of Virginia
Richmond Free Press
Better Housing Coalition
Governor L. Douglas Wilder
National Urban League, Richmond Chapter
First African Baptist Church
Living the Dream, Inc.
The Richmond 34
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
Martin Luther King Community Day With Live Performance and Talks
Join us for MLK Community Day—where the legacy lives on through EDUcation, culture, equity, achievement, family, and action.
Planning to attend a 2- 4 year college or a career school?
Need assistance with FAFSA completion, college essays, scholarship applications, or next steps after high school?
Come together at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia on Monday, January 19, 2026, 12pm-3pm for a powerful, teen-led MLK Community Day celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
Echoes of a Dream: Film Screening & Community Panel
Join us for a special screening and panel discussion of Echoes of a Dream, the nine-minute short film that won the Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film at the Richmond International Film Festival. The film explores Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and lasting impact in Richmond, VA. Following the screening, a panel will discuss the film’s inspiration, creative process, and themes, while inviting audience questions and reflections. Open to the public, this program offers an opportunity to honor Dr. King’s vision, spark dialogue, and consider how his legacy continues to shape our community today.
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
The 2026 MLK Celebration will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and will feature a keynote address from President Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D., President of Virginia State University. Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Time: Program begins at 6 p.m. | Reception to follow
Location: Ukrop Auditorium, Robins School of Business
Admission: Free and open to all
No registration is required. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as seating is limited.
Hanover NAACP Youth Council MLK Kickoff
January 19 at 12:30 PM
Location: First Union Baptist Church, 6231 Pole Green Rd.
Youth ages 13-22 are invited to showcase an entry of art (poetry, music, canvas art and spoken word) that represents Rev. Dr. King.
RSVP: hanovernaacp2@gmail.com
(youth name, church if applicable, and contact information)
Family Night at the OAK Avenue Complex with Justice Dwight
Tuesday, Jan 20th 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: The Oak Avenue Complex, 15 S Oak Ave, Highland Springs, VA 23075
Family Night at OAK Ave Complex with Justice Dwight. Join artist Justice Dwight for a fun, relaxing time creating with community. Bring your family to paint with others and enjoy good food and conversation.
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
Difficult Conversations Session 1: Youth Voices – Purpose, Power & Profit Series
Session 1: Purpose – Self-Discovery & Social Capital
We’ll kick things off with a fun, interactive space where you can discover your strengths, figure out what makes you unique, and explore how those skills connect to your future goals.
Difficult Conversations: Youth Voices – Purpose, Power & Profit Series
This three-part youth development series equips young adults with essential life skills, strategic tools, and access to community resources that support long-term success.
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
MLK Day of Service Period Kit Packing Parties- Slyvia's Sisters
It’s time for our annual period kit-packing parties honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day of Service. If you’re searching for a fun, family-friendly way to engage in community service, then look no further…
Shineforth Kit Packing Party
Sunday, January 18th from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Firefly Hall at Shineforth (formerly UMFS), 3865 Mastin Lane, Richmond, VA 23230 (on Broad near Malvern)
Bon Air Presbyterian Church Kit Packing Party
Sunday, January 25th from 12:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 West Huguenot Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Registration required. Click on the title to register.
Community Diaper Bundling Event
Join Little Hands Virginia for a fun-filled morning of giving back on MLK Day of Service! Our Community Diaper Bundling Event is a great way to spend time together with family and friends while helping Little Hands restock our diaper bank shelves!
Each month, Little Hands Virginia distributes 100,000 diapers through our Diaper Bank Program, and in 2025 served over 10,000 children experiencing diaper need in the Greater Richmond region.
This event is free, however please consider bringing a baby basic (must be new and unopened) we regularly purchase to restock our shelves: baby soap, baby lotion, or diaper cream.
G5 Service Day for MLK
Join a group from Gallery5 as we volunteer in support of Friends of East End's cemetery clean-up day at Evergreen Cemetery for MLK Day.
Meet at Gallery5 at 9:45am if you want to carpool! Otherwise meet us at Evergreen Cemetery at 10:00am. Wear clothes and closed-toed shoes appropriate for outdoor "yard" work. Bringing your own water and snacks is also encouraged.
Volunteers will assist with:
• Clearing brush, sticks, and light debris
• Opening and maintaining service lanes
• Supporting overgrowth removal in designated zones
• Assisting staff with basic grounds care and beautification
• Helping preserve safe, respectful access throughout the cemetery
All instructions will be provided on-site by the Cemeteries staff.
Qualifications, Skills, & Requirements:
• No prior experience needed — all skill levels welcome
• Ability to work outdoors and navigate uneven ground
• Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
• All tools, gloves, and materials are provided
"Be The Peace You Wish to See in the World!" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
