National Civil Rights Museum plans King Day celebrations around big 60th anniversary year

What’s happening: The National Civil Rights Museum has announced the program for its annual King Day event, a daylong celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy. King Day, a federal holiday, occurs on the third Monday of January each year, making Monday, Jan. 20, as King Day in 2025.

What’s in focus: King Day 2025 will serve as the museum’s launch of Community Over Chaos, a year’s worth of programming that will focus on pivotal anniversaries in Civil Rights history. It’s been 60 years since 1965, a critical period in the Civil Rights movement that included both the Selma March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

What’s planned: The museum will extend its hours for King Day, opening from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities and programs are planned throughout the day on the museum campus, including live performances from local musicians, children’s activities and entertainment, and informative exhibits.

Day of service: A blood drive partnership with Vitalint will reward volunteers with a museum pass that offers additional free admission for up to four people on an day in 2025. A food drive partnership with Mid-South Food Bank asks volunteers to bring canned goods and nonperishables for those in hunger.

Why it’s important: “King Day is a time to honor Dr. King’s profound legacy and his dream of the Beloved Community,” says Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum. “The sight of thousands coming together on our campus reinforces his call for unity in the face of division. None of this would be possible without the community’s support, particularly our presenting sponsor, FedEx, and contributions from Ford Philanthropy and Dexcom.”

When and where: King Day 2025 is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, on the National Civil Rights Museum campus. The event is free and open to the public.