MLK Day 2025 in Richmond: Concerts, parades and volunteer events
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Richmond joins the rest of the country this weekend in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Flashback: MLK Jr. visited the Richmond area more than 10 times before he was killed, per Virginia's MLK Memorial Commission.
- Jackson Ward would've been his next stop after Memphis in 1968, reported the Times-Dispatch.
Here are a few ways the city is celebrating his life:
Sunday, Jan. 19
The Richmond Symphony will have a "Celebrate MLK" concert reflecting on his legacy via works from Black composers. 3pm. $30 for adults, $15 for college students.
Fifth Street Baptist Church will have its "23rd MLK Community Celebration and Drum Major Awards" with performances (including from the John Marshall High School Band), spoken word and music. 3-5pm. Free.
Monday, Jan. 20
Petersburg has its first MLK Day Parade Celebration starting on Pocahontas Street, through the MLK Jr. Bridge and up to Franklin Street. 9-10am. Free.
VCU's Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and MLK Committee is having its 8th annual silent candlelight vigil march in tribute to "Dr. King's vision of justice and equality." 6pm. Free.
Virginia State University is having a Day of Service with multiple volunteer options including drives for baby items and book donations.
- More volunteering opportunities in the Richmond area are available at the Community Foundation's site.
VCU compiled a list of community events for MLK Day of Service, including:
- Putting together birthday kits for local children at Celebrate RVA. 11:30am.
- Volunteering with Oakwood Arts' Annual MLK Day of Service and creating art kits or helping clean up around the neighborhood. Noon-3pm.
- Packaging meals with Rise Against Hunger at Hardywood Park on Ownby Lane. 2-7:30pm. Free.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
You can view the Wyatt Tee Walker Collection at the University of Richmond, which has recordings and materials from the civil rights movement. 7-8:30pm. Free.
- Walker worked as MLK Jr.'s chief of staff and organized major civil rights protests.
- He died near Chester in 2018 at the age of 88.
Thursday, Jan. 23
VCU is hosting an MLK Keynote Celebration at the ICA on West Broad Street and discussing "the concept of the Beloved Community." 5-8pm. Free but registration is required.
Have an event we haven't mentioned? Reach out at [email protected].