Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most remarkable civil rights leaders in history. MLK Saratoga, a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to antiracism and honoring Dr. King’s vision of peace and justice for all, produces a four-day Dr. King Celebration Weekend (DKCW) every year around the national holiday observing Dr. King’s birthday.
This year marks the 10th Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend. Multiple events will take place throughout the weekend, honoring and celebrating Dr. King.
The annual celebration includes interactive performances, presentations, and panel discussions, as well as kids' events, and volunteer opportunities. The weekend kicks off on Friday, January 17th with Emcee Bakari Grady-Willis, and music by Jermaine Wells and The Ill Funk Ensemble.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
DR. KING WEEKEND KICKOFF CELEBRATION
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn
232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
An evening of performance with Emcee Bakari Grady-Willis, and music by Jermaine Wells and The Ill Funk Ensemble. Reception, food, cash bar, fun art projects for kids, face painting, dancing, and more! Family friendly.
Free – Donations Appreciated!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
AFRICAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP with JORDAN TAYLOR HILL
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library (Dutcher Community Room)
49 Henry Street
Saratoga Springs, NY
Embark on a musical journey with Jordan Taylor Hill, a talented artist known for captivating performances and a unique blend of traditional African drum and dance sessions. With a diverse range of influences from Guinea Conakry to Brazil and Cuba, Jordan’s workshops will immerse participants in the rich tapestry of cultural rhythms and traditions. If you have an African drum, we encourage you to bring it with you. Some drums will be supplied, some will be shared.
PUPPET SHOW and SINGALONG
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
624 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs invites you to celebrate the values love and friendship that animated Dr. King’s life with this puppet performance and singalong. Perfect for youngsters and their caregivers; all are welcome!
DANCING FOR AUDACIOUS HOPE PARTY
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Frederick Allen Lodge
69 Beekman Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
The Presbyterian United Church of Christ of Saratoga Springs invites you to come enjoy dancing and light refreshments as you enjoy the sounds of Out of the Box, one of the region’s hottest jazz bands. Please register for the party here.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
"AUDACIOUS FAITH," SUNDAY GOSPEL SERVICE with THE HEAVENLY ECHOES
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dyer Phelps AME Zion Church
122 Crescent Street, Saratoga Springs
Frederick Allen Elks Lodge & Dyer Phelps A.M.E. Zion Church invite you to a Sunday service with Reverend David Baugh featuring the music of the Heavenly Echoes. Join the congregation and community as we celebrate this year’s “Audacious Faith” theme. Service from 10-11:30 a.m. Fellowship to follow.
FAITH IN THE FUTURE: A CONVERSATION BETWEEN YOUTH and ADULTS ABOUT CARRYING ON MLK'S LEGACY
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Room
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
Camp Stomping Ground and MLK Saratoga invite the community to join together to explore barriers to empathy and then work together to brainstorm ways to overcome those barriers in our daily lives.
GINA COLEMAN and MISTY BLUES MLK WEEKEND TRIBUTE TO ODETTA
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Caffè Lena
47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
FREE CONCERT! Misty Blues lead singer Gina Coleman brings to life the majesty and vocal power of Odetta (1930-2008), the groundbreaking American folk singer and civil rights activist whose music blended gospel, blues, and traditional folk. Sponsored by Caffe Lena.
"AN UNSETTLING FORCE," FILM SCREENING and DISCUSSION
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs invites you to a screening of An Unsettling Force, which documents the revival of Dr. MLK Jr’s Poor People’s Movement by Bishop William J. Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis. From the first 40 Days of Action through Moral Mondays to 2021, the film tracks the development of this “fusion movement” that aims to pick up Rev. Dr. MLK Jr’s movement for economic justice and racial equality. Discussion to follow.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
DR. KING DAY OF SERVICE
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
Celebrate the life and work of Dr. King by participating in projects that help serve and enrich our community. There will be opportunities to make blankets and donate pet food for shelter pets, donate groceries and make signs of support and care with Saratoga PRIDE, donate loose change to and make kindness rocks for Shelters of Saratoga, help repair books for donation to libraries, make lanterns to light our way as we walk together in 2025, make reusable menstrual products with Mooncatchers, and more. Most projects are appropriate for children.
DR. KING WEEKEND COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue
Saratoga Springs
The highlight and culmination of our weekend, this community celebration will feature local speakers, a keynote address by author and Skidmore professor Dr. Tammy Owens and music by Soulist Garland Nelson and vocalist and pianist Azzaam Hameed. Please join us to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through our fellowship and community.
Learn more at MLK Saratoga.
